110 R&B Love Songs
Ray has been an online music writer for over four years. Having sung in multiple competitions as a youth, he has a passion for the art.
R&B love songs are among the most heart-wrenching genres. These love songs make listeners feel uniquely intimate and relatable. Usually, the songs embody tender lyrics, polished vocals, and a touching message. Despite too many selections to include, we tried to have some that surely deserves a place on your playlist.
1. “On Bended Knee”
Artist: Boyz II Men
Album: II
Year Released: 1994
Facts About “On Bended Knee”
- “On Bended Knee” is one of the best R&B love songs by Boyz II Men.
- Jimmy Jam, an American R&B songwriter and producer, wrote and co-produced the song.
- As one of the most popular 90s R&B love songs, the track topped the Billboard Hot 100, replacing the group’s song “I’ll Make Love to You.”
- On December 3, 1994, the song reached #1 on the Hot 100 Airplay and #2 on the Hot Singles Sales.
- According to the lyrics, the guy apologizes for his wrongdoing and begs his ex-lover to return to him.
2. “Halo”
Artist: Beyonce
Album: I Am Sasha Fierce
Year Released: 2009
Facts About “Halo”
- The lyrics of “Halo” describe a sublime love in a pop and R&B power ballad. It is one of the most popular R&B love songs for him.
- The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards presented Halo as the Best Female Pop Vocal Performance.
- The song won the Best Song award at the 2009 MTV Europe Music Awards.
- In Halo, a girl forms walls around herself after being hurt so much that she can’t stand any longer.
3. “I Will Always Love You”
Artist: Whitney Houston
Album: Jolene
Year Released: 1974
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Facts About “I Will Always Love You”
- American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton originally wrote and recorded “I Will Always Love You” in 1973.
- In 1992, Whitney Houston recorded her song’s version for the movie “The Bodyguard.”
- The song is the most successful single by a woman in music history.
- The song has earned a spot among the top R&B love songs for him of all time, spending a record-breaking 14 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.
4. “All My Life”
Artist: K-Ci and Jojo
Album: Love Always
Year Released: 1998
Facts About “All My Life”
- The song “All My Life” is by American R&B duo K-Ci & JoJo.
- The song hit the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 for three straight weeks and was a commercial success.
- “All My Life” is a heartfelt tribute to JoJo’s 7-year-old daughter Kayla but can easily be used for any R&B love song.
- “All My Life” is one of the best R&B and soul songs. Music critics say this is the duo’s most successful song.
5. “I’ll Make Love to You”
Artist: Boyz II Men
Album: II
Year Released: 1994
Facts About “I’ll Make Love to You”
- “I’ll Make Love to You” is one of the hit R&B songs by Boyz II Men for the Motown label.
- The song won the Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. It also received a nomination for the Record of the Year prize.
- It is one of the best R&B love songs from a woman to a man, which goes straight to a woman’s heart.
6. “If I Ain’t Got You”
Artist: Alicia Keys
Album: The Diary of Alicia Keys
Year Released: 2004
Facts About “If I Ain’t Got You”
- American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys recorded “If I Ain’t Got You” for her second studio album, The Diary of Alicia Keys (2003).
- Throughout the song, the singer talks about material things not feeding the soul. It means you don’t care about material possessions as long as you love one person.
- Keys’ second consecutive number-one R&B single, “If I Ain’t Got You,” hit number four on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100
- For six consecutive weeks, it was one of the best 2000 R&B love songs atop the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
7. “All of Me”
Artist: John Legend
Album: Love in the Future
Year Released: 2013
Facts About “All of Me”
- American singer John Legend wrote and recorded “All of Me” for his fourth studio album, Love in the Future (2013).
- The song reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, becoming Legend’s first U.S. #1 single.
- Legend’s song “All of Me” is a sensitive piano ballad inspired by his then-fiancée, now wife, model Chrissy Teigen.
- Music critics believe that this is one of the top R&B love songs ever written.
- The song admits that every relationship has issues, but you can overcome them as long as you accept each other and give your all.
8. “Back at One”
Artist: Brian McKnight
Album: Back at One
Year Released: 1999
Facts About “Back at One”
- “Back at One” is an R&B love song written and performed by American recording artist Brian McKnight, taken from his fifth studio album.
- McKnight’s biggest hit, “Back at One” reached the top ten in New Zealand, Canada, and the United States.
- This song is about falling in love and knowing you must do everything to keep her.
9. “Ribbon in the Sky”
Artist: Stevie Wonder
Album: Original Musiquarium I
Year Released: 1982
Facts About “Ribbon in the Sky”
- “Ribbon in the Sky” is one of the most popular classic R&B love songs by American singer Stevie Wonder.
- Stevie Wonder released the song on his 1982 greatest hits collection, Original Musiquarium I.
- “Ribbon in the Sky” appeared in Essence magazine’s list of the “25 Best Slow Jams of All Time” in 2009.
- Upon hearing the 80s song, readers can imagine a couple becoming certain of their unbreakable bond as they witness a rainbow during a challenging trial.
10. “Weak”
Artist: SWV
Album: It’s About Time
Year Released: 1993
Facts About “Weak”
- SWV recorded “Weak” as part of their debut studio album; It’s About Time (1992).
- This song’s theme is that love can have different effects on everyone and their actions. It can be physical, mental, and emotional.
- In July 1993, it topped Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks, ending Janet Jackson’s two-month run at No. 1.
- The single “Weak” reached the #1 position on the Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for two weeks.
11. “No One”
Artist: Alicia Keys
Album: As I Am
Year Released: 2007
Facts About “No One”
- Alicia Keys’ song “No One” is from her third studio album, As I Am (2006).
- “No One” takes the perspective that no matter what happens, your love will always be there for you.
- The song was the third-biggest single of 2008 in Brazil and the U.S. It also picked up the most airplay on U.S. radio stations.
- At the 50th Grammy Awards in 2008, the song won the Best Female R&B Vocal Performance and the Best R&B Song.
- The music website Popjustice says the song is one of the Keys’ best R&B love songs of all time.
12. “Crazy in Love”
Artist: Beyonce
Album: Dangerously In Love
Year Released: 2003
Facts About “Crazy in Love”
- “Crazy in Love” combines hip hop, soul, and 70s funk elements to craft a beautiful contemporary R&B love song.
- The lyrics of the song describe the protagonist acting out of character due to a romantic obsession.
- The song reached the top ten in various countries around the world. It was a #1 hit in the United States and the United Kingdom.
- Rolling Stone listed “Crazy in Love” at #16 among the 500 greatest songs of all time.
- One of the most prominent voices of the 21st century proclaimed the song to be the greatest of this century.
- A study by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) ranked Crazy in Love as one of the top R&B love songs of 2004.
13. “My Boo”
Artist: Alicia Keys and Usher
Album: Confessions
Year Released: 2004
Facts About “My Boo”
- Usher and Alicia Keys perform “My Boo” as a duet.
- With the single’s six-week stay at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, it becomes the duo’s third most successful single from the album.
- Hip hop-like R&B love songs like “My Boo” are excellent for romance. They have a mid-tempo rhythm.
- The song depicts the story of an ex-couple. They talk about their past love and how their feelings persist despite the two no longer being together.
- The song ranked 36th in the United States during the 2000-2009 decade, making it one of the best-selling 2000 R&B love songs.
14. “No Ordinary Love”
Artist: Sade
Album: Love Deluxe
Year Released: 1992
Facts About “No Ordinary Love”
- English band Sade released their fourth studio album, Love Deluxe (1992), with “No Ordinary Love.”
- The song ranked 43rd in the “The Best 90s R&B Love Songs” list published by Complex in 2012.
- According to the singer, she was lamenting a broken relationship. She loved her partner greatly yet ended up hurt by him.
15. “At Last”
Artist: Etta James
Album: At Last!
Year Released: 1960
Facts About “At Last”
- James’ version appeared on her debut album At Last! (1960) and admitted into the 1999 Grammy Hall of Fame.
- The song was the third from Etta James’s debut Argo Records album and became one of her signature tracks.
- The song talks about having the one you love and how everything seems better when he’s around.
- “At Last” is one of the best old-school R&B love songs of all time.
16. “When a Man Loves a Woman”
Artist: Percy Sledge
Album: When a Man Loves a Woman
Year Released: 1966
Facts About “When a Man Loves a Woman”
- “When a Man Loves a Woman” is one of the oldest and best R&B love songs of all time.
- A song was written by Calvin Lewis and Andrew Wright, “When a Man Loves a Woman,” which reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and R&B singles charts.
- There are some things a man can do when in love with a woman that is unthinkable or somewhat crazy, and the lyrics to “When a Man Loves a Woman” demonstrate that.
17. “Always and Forever”
Artist: Heatwave
Album: Too Hot to Handle
Year Released: 1977
Facts About “Always and Forever”
- Rod Temperton wrote the R&B song “Always and Forever,” which was produced by Barry Blue.
- The song peaked at #2 on the U.S. Billboard R&B chart, making it one of the best R&B love songs of the 70s.
- Love is at the heart of the song as it speaks about valuing time together with someone you love.
18. “Caught Up in the Rapture”
Artist: Anita Baker
Album: Rapture
Year Released: 1986
Facts About “Caught Up in the Rapture”
- Singer Anita Baker recorded the song “Caught Up in the Rapture” in 1986.
- The song was Baker’s third top ten R&B single, putting him at #6 on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart.
- The song talks about what true love is like for a woman.
- As one of the best R&B love songs, the song reached #6 on the U.S. Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
19. “Always”
Artist: Atlantic Starr
Album: All in the Name of Love
Year Released: 1987
Facts About “Always”
- In 1987, the American R&B group Atlantic Starr released “Always” as their second single from their seventh studio album All in the Name of Love.
- In June 1987, the single peaked at #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs and U.S. Billboard Hot 100 charts.
- The song is about a dream boy and how the singer wants to spend his life with him.
- In 2008, Filipina singer-actress Iya Villania covered the song on her album Finally! with rapper Jay-R.
20. “My Girl”
Artist: The Temptations
Album: The Temptations Sing Smokey
Year Released: 1964
Facts About “My Girl”
- The song is one of the greatest R&B love songs of all time.
- It was the Temptations’ first U.S. #1 single, and it remains their most famous song.
- From a female perspective, the music carried the sentiment of unconditional love.
21. “Vision of Love”
Artist: Mariah Carey
Album: Mariah Carey
Year Released: 1990
Facts About “Vision of Love”
- The song is Mariah Carey’s debut single, one of the best R&B love songs ever.
- This track features a slow-dance theme tempo and Carey’s backing vocals. She also introduces the whistle register in this track.
- The song is about searching for someone who can fulfill your life only to find that person to be you.
- Lyrically, the song depicts a connection between a lover’s past and present.
22. “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours”
Artist: Stevie Wonder
Album: Signed, Sealed & Delivered
Year Released: 1970
Facts About “Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours”
- “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” is a soul song by Stevie Wonder, a legendary American musician.
- In the song, the singer returns to his love and puts himself at her mercy.
- The song earned Wonder his sixth Grammy nomination, which is one of the reasons it deserves on top of the R&B love songs list.
23. “Adorn”
Artist: Miguel
Album: Kaleidoscope Dream
Year Released: 2012
Facts About “Adorn”
- Miguel’s song “Adorn” is the lead single from his 2012 studio album Kaleidoscope Dream.
- In “Adorn,” Miguel unveils his intention to love, cover, and protect his woman.
- To date, Miguel’s most successful single peaked at #17 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
- The song earned Miguel three Grammy nominations, for which Miguel won the Best R&B Song category.
24. “Thinkin Bout You”
Artist: Frank Ocean
Album: Channel Orange
Year Released: 2012
Facts About “Thinkin Bout You”
- The song is the lead single from Frank Ocean’s debut L.P., Channel Orange.
- Ocean’s music lyrically explores the turmoil of a relationship out of his reach and the regret he feels due to it.
- Some critics have noted the possible bisexual undertones of the song.
- A Grammy nomination for Record of the Year in 2013 helped the song make it to the best R&B love songs list.
25. “Untitled (How Does It Feel?)”
Artist: D’Angelo
Album: Voodoo
Year Released: 2000
Facts About “Untitled (How Does It Feel?)”
- D’Angelo’s “Untitled (How Does It Feel)” is a song he wrote and recorded.
- D’Angelo uses the music to ask for his lover’s attention while at the same time expressing his sensual desire for her.
- At the 43rd Grammy Awards in 2001, the song won a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.
26. “Let’s Stay Together”
Artist: Al Green
Album: Let’s Stay Together
Year Released: 1971
Facts About “Let’s Stay Together”
- The song is from Al Green’s 1972 album of the same name.
- It was a Top 10 hit for nine weeks on Billboard’s R&B chart, making it one of the greatest R&B love songs of all time.
- In 1972, the song ranked #1 on the R&B Billboard Year-End charts.
- Love is the theme of the music and how it endures regardless of good or bad circumstances.
27. “My Love Is Your Love”
Artist: Whitney Houston
Album: Whitney Houston
Year Released: 1999
Facts About “My Love Is Your Love”
- The track was a huge hit worldwide, becoming another Houston classic. It topped the charts in both Europe and New Zealand, peaking at #1.
- It’s a song about a couple who’ll always be there for each other no matter what happens.
- The song hit #4 on the Hot 100 in the U.S., #2 in the U.K. and #1 in New Zealand.
28. “Angel of Mine”
Artist: Eternal
Album: Greatest Hits
Year Released: 1997
Facts About “Angel of Mine”
- The song “Angel of Mine” is from the first compilation album of British R&B girl group Eternal, Greatest Hits.
- Monica’s version of the song topped the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in the U.S.
- According to Monica herself, the song is about having a friend she falls in love with, which is not difficult for humans.
29. “If I Ever Fall in Love”
Artist: Shai
Album: If I Ever Fall in Love
Year Released:1992
Facts About “If I Ever Fall in Love”
- “If I Ever Fall in Love” is one of the greatest R&B love songs of all time that holds the record for the second-most weeks at #2 in the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- “If I Ever Fall in Love” is the title track of American R&B-soul quartet Shai’s third album.
- The song tells a story of a man who met and fell for a woman who later left him because he didn’t cherish her like he ought to.
30. “Forever My Lady”
Artist: Jodeci
Album: Forever My Lady
Year Released: 1991
Facts About “Forever My Lady”
- The song “Forever My Lady” is by the American R&B group Jodeci from their debut album of the same name.
- The group’s first number-one R&B hit, “Forever My Lady,” lasted two weeks on the US R&B chart.
- The song reached #25 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it one of the top R&B love songs of all time.
Continuation List of R&B Love Songs
R&B Love Songs Title | Artist(s) |
---|---|
31. “Spend My Life with You” | Eric Benét and Tamia |
32. “Find Someone Like You” | Snoh Aalegra |
33. “Here and Now” | Luther Vandross |
34. “Let’s Get It On” | Marvin Gaye |
35. “My, My, My” | Johnny Gill |
36. “Be Without You” | Mary J. Blige |
37. “Anniversary” | Tony! Toni! Toné! |
38. “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” | Aretha Franklin |
39. “Midnight Train to Georgia” | Gladys Knight & The Pips |
40. “Why I Love You” | MAJOR |
41. “Boo’d Up” | Ella Mai |
42. “Make It Last Forever” | Keith Sweat |
43. “Love and Happiness” | Al Green |
44. “Let’s Chill” | Guy |
45. “Kiss of Life” | Sade |
46. “Wonderful World” | Sam Cooke |
47. “Do Right Woman, Do Right Man” | Aretha Franklin |
48. “The Way You Make Me Feel” | Michael Jackson |
49. “Climax” | Usher |
50. “Let Love Rule” | Lenny Kravitz |
51. “Real Love” | Mary J. Blige |
52. “Again” | Janet Jackson |
53. “Red Light Special” | TLC |
54. “Ex-Factor” | Lauryn Hill |
55. Are You That Somebody?” | Aaliyah |
56. “Respect” | Aretha Franklin |
57. “We Belong Together” | Mariah Carey |
58. “September” | Earth, Wind & Fire |
59. “Creep” | TLC |
60. “Is It A Crime?” | Sade |
61. “Sexy Love” | Ne-Yo |
62. “Always Be My Baby” | Mariah Carey |
63. “Be With You” | Mary J. Blige |
64. “Can We Talk” | Tevin Campbell |
65. “Earth Angel” | The Penguins |
66. “For You I Will” | Monica |
67. “Happily Ever After” | Case |
68. “Hello” | Lionel Richie |
69. “Heartbreak Hotel” | Whitney Houston |
70. “I Care ‘Bout You” | Milestone |
71. “I Wanna Know” | Joe |
72. “I Don’t Want To” | Toni Braxton |
73. “Killing Me Softly with His Song” | Fugees |
74. “Nice and Slow” | Usher |
75. “Nothing Even Matters” | Lauryn Hill |
76. “Never Let You Go” | Faith Evans |
77. “Ronni” | Bobby Brown |
78. “Saving All My Love for You” | Whitney Houston |
79. “Soul Sista” | Bilal |
80. “Seems Like You’re Ready” | R Kelly |
81. “Spending My Life With You” | Eric Benet and Tamia |
82. “Tell Me” | Dru Hill |
83. “The One I Gave My Heart Too” | Aaliyah |
84. “Understanding” | Xscape |
85. “I Never Loved a Man” | Aretha Franklin |
86. “Slow Jamz” | Twista ft. Kanye West & Jamie Foxx |
87. “One In A Million” | Aaliyah |
88. “Can You Stand The Rain” | New Edition |
89. “Thank God I Found You” | Mariah Carey ft. Joe & 98 Degrees |
90. “I Need A Girl Part 2” | P. Diddy ft. Loon, Ginuwine & Mario Winans |
91. “All I Have” | Jennifer Lopez ft. LL Cool J |
92. “My Spanish Guitar” | Toni Braxton |
93. “Nite and Day” | Al. B Sure |
94. “End Of The Road” | Boyz II Men |
95. “Endless Love” | Luther Vandross & Mariah Carey |
96. “I Just Called To Say I Love You” | Stevie Wonder |
97. “Every Little Thing I Do” | Soul For Real |
98. “Last Night” | Az Yet |
99. “All The Things (Your Man Won’t Do)” | Joe |
100. “I Wanna Be Down” | Brandy |
101. “Promise” | Jagged Edge |
102. “If I Could Turn Back The Hands Of Time” | R. Kelly |
103. “Into You” | Tamia and Fabolous |
104. “Just In Case” | Jaheim |
105. “Wifey” | Next |
106. “Let Me Love You” | Mario |
107. “Dilemma ft. Kelly Rowland” | Nelly |
108. “Remember The Time” | Michael Jackson |
109. “Burn” | Usher |
110. “Twisted” | “Twisted” |
R&B Love Songs YouTube Playlist
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This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.
© 2021 Ray