Music

Canciones de R&B/Soul de los 80 que tienes que escuchar

Explore an essential selection of the most iconic R&B and Soul tracks from the 1980s. Discover the legendary voices and unforgettable rhythms that defined a golden decade of music. From romantic ballads to danceable hits, this list will immerse you in the essence of a genre that continues to resonate today. Perfect for retro music lovers and those looking to rediscover musical gems from the eighties.

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  1. 1

    Endless Love

    569 Global Votes
    • Won Favorite Pop/Rock Song at 1982 American Music Awards

      (+3)

    This song is an iconic duet by Lionel Richie and Diana Ross that captured the essence of 80s romantic R&B and soul. Its moving melody and powerful vocal performances made it a number-one hit, deeply resonating with audiences and defining the sound of the decade.

  2. 2

    I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)

    0 Global Votes
    • Upbeat, feel-good pop anthem

    This song is a pillar of 80s R&B/Soul, standing out for Whitney Houston's unparalleled voice and its infectious energy. Its lyrics, expressing a deep desire for connection and love, resonate with an emotional depth that transcends its joyful rhythm, making it a fundamental piece of the genre.

  3. 3

    I Just Called to Say I Love You

    0 Global Votes
    • Beloved song

      (+2)

    This song is a timeless R&B/Soul classic from the 80s, notable for its catchy melody and universal message of love. Its composition and production by Stevie Wonder showcase his musical mastery, cementing it as a landmark of the decade. The song reached number one on multiple charts and won an Oscar, underscoring its cultural impact and artistic quality.

  4. 4

    Smooth Operator (1984)

    0 Global Votes
    • Timeless Soul & Jazz Classic

      (+2)

    This song is a pillar of 80s R&B/Soul, standing out for its fusion of smooth jazz and sophisti-pop that defines the decade's sound. Its sultry atmosphere and captivating storytelling about an enigmatic character make it an essential piece for understanding the musical sophistication of the era.

  5. 5

    Sexual Healing

    0 Global Votes
    • Ultimate 80s R&B jam

      (+2)

    This song is an R&B/Soul landmark of the 80s, notable for its sensuality, infectious rhythm, and Marvin Gaye's emotive vocal performance. Its lyrics explore themes of desire, vulnerability, and healing through intimacy, deeply resonating with audiences and cementing its status as a timeless classic of the genre.

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  7. 6

    Fresh

    0 Global Votes

    This song is a pillar of 80s R&B/Soul, standing out for its infectious danceable rhythm and commercial success. It reached the top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the R&B and Dance charts, solidifying its status as a classic of the era.

  8. 7

    Every Little Step

    0 Global Votes
    • Brought swagger, soul, and unforgettable rhythm

      (+2)

    This song is a cornerstone of 80s R&B/Soul, notable for its innovative fusion of R&B, hip hop, and dance-pop that defined the New Jack Swing sound. Its infectious groove and impeccable production by L.A. Reid and Babyface make it an essential track for understanding the genre's evolution in that decade.

  9. 8

    By My Own

    0 Global Votes

    This song is an iconic 80s R&B/Soul duet that stands out for the powerful vocal combination of Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald. Its emotional lyrics and the masterful production by Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager make it a timeless ballad that defined the sound of the decade.

  10. 9

    Back to Life (However Do You Want Me)

    0 Global Votes
    • UK soul classic

      (+4)

    This song is a cornerstone of 80s R&B/Soul, renowned for its innovative genre fusion and distinctive 'UK Street Soul' sound. Its international success and influence on dance and R&B music of the era make it an essential listen. The track captures the essence of a decade of musical experimentation, delivering a contagious rhythm and memorable vocalization that resonate to this day.

  11. 10

    Give It To Me Baby

    0 Global Votes
    • Greatest 80s R&B Song

      (+3)

    This track is a cornerstone of 80s funk and R&B, standing out for its irresistible rhythm and Rick James' charismatic performance. Its chart success and enduring popularity demonstrate its cultural impact and ability to make people dance.

  12. 11

    Upside Down (1980)

    0 Global Votes
    • Hit number one on Billboard Disco and Soul charts

      (+2)

    This song is a brilliant example of the R&B, soul, and disco fusion that defined the 1980s, featuring impeccable production by Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards. Its infectious rhythm and Diana Ross's powerful vocal performance made it a global hit, leaving an indelible mark on the music culture of the era.

  13. 12

    Before I Let Go (1981)

    0 Global Votes
    • Peaked at #13 on the Billboard R&B chart

      (+2)

    This song is a timeless R&B/Soul classic from the 80s, peaking at number 13 on the Billboard R&B chart in 1981. Its enduring message about love, heartbreak, and resilience has made it a cultural anthem that continues to resonate with audiences. Frankie Beverly's composition captures an emotional essence that defines the decade.

  14. 13

    The Glamorous Life

    0 Global Votes
    • Written by Prince

      (+3)

    This song is an 80s R&B/Soul landmark, notable for its innovative fusion of funk, pop, and dance, driven by Prince's distinctive production and Sheila E.'s energetic percussion. Its groundbreaking sound and lyrical exploration of materialism make it an essential piece from the decade.

  15. 14

    New Attitude

    0 Global Votes
    • Perfect song to ring in the new year

      (+4)

    This Patti LaBelle song captures the essence of 80s R&B/Soul with its energetic production and optimistic message. Its inclusion in the "Beverly Hills Cop" soundtrack propelled it to fame, making it a timeless classic that continues to inspire with its catchy rhythm and lyrics about self-empowerment.

  16. 15

    Computer Love

    0 Global Votes
    • Ahead of its time

      (+4)

    This song is an R&B/Soul landmark from the 80s due to Roger Troutman's innovative use of the talk box, which gave it a futuristic and distinctive sound. Its blend of R&B, synth-pop, and electro-funk made it an influential track that defined an era's sound.

  17. 16

    The Secret Garden (Sweet Seduction Suite)

    0 Global Votes

    This song is a Quincy Jones production masterpiece, bringing together iconic R&B vocal talents such as Barry White, Al B. Sure!, James Ingram, and El DeBarge. Its sophisticated instrumentation and vocal harmonies create a sensual and enveloping atmosphere, characteristic of 1980s soul and R&B.

  18. 17

    1999

    0 Global Votes

    This song is a pillar of 80s R&B/Soul, fusing funk, pop, and electronic elements to create an innovative sound that defined an era. Its message of living life to the fullest in the face of uncertainty resonated deeply, making it a party anthem with relevant social undertones. Prince's production on "1999" pioneered the Minneapolis sound, influencing R&B and pop throughout the decade.

  19. 18

    Human Nature

    0 Global Votes
    • Most 80s-like song Michael Jackson released that decade

      (+3)

    This song is a cornerstone of 80s R&B/Soul, notable for its profound exploration of human curiosity and connection. Its lyrical composition and Michael Jackson's emotive delivery make it an essential piece that defines the sound and themes of the decade.

  20. 19

    You Give Good Love

    0 Global Votes

    This track is Whitney Houston's debut single and a landmark in 80s R&B, marking the beginning of a legendary career. Its chart success on the R&B charts and recognition at the American Music Awards demonstrate its cultural impact and musical quality.

  21. 20

    Did I Hear You Say You Love Me

    0 Global Votes

    This song captures the essence of 1980s R&B/Soul with Stevie Wonder's vocal and compositional mastery. Its catchy melody and lyrics about the need for a tangible proof of love make it an emotional and representative piece of the era.

Frequently asked questions

This ranking includes iconic R&B/Soul songs from the 1980s, featuring artists such as Lionel Richie & Diana Ross, Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder, Sade, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Chaka Khan, and The Gap Band.
Currently, the ranking is based on an editorial selection of prominent songs. However, we encourage users to share their favorite 80s R&B/Soul songs in the comments section for future consideration.
The order of songs in this list reflects a curation of essential and representative R&B/Soul tracks from the 1980s, highlighting their cultural impact and popularity.
Yes, we aim to keep our rankings updated and relevant. New songs may be added or existing ones adjusted based on community feedback and further editorial reviews.

How we built this ranking and what to consider when choosing

Our methodology for selecting 80s R&B/Soul songs focuses on the cultural relevance, musical impact, and sustained popularity of each track within the decade. We aim to provide a representative list of the best of the genre.

  • Songs that were both commercial and critical successes, deeply resonating with audiences in the 1980s, are considered.
  • Priority is given to tracks that have proven influential for the subsequent development of R&B and Soul, as well as for popular music in general.
  • The selection includes a variety of artists who defined the sound of the decade, from romantic ballads to danceable rhythms.
  • The quality of composition, vocal performance, and musical production are valued, ensuring each song is a standout example of its style.
  • The song must have been released between January 1, 1980, and December 31, 1989.
  • It must predominantly belong to the R&B or Soul genres, displaying their distinctive characteristics in melody, harmony, and rhythm.
  • The song must have achieved a significant level of popularity or critical acclaim at the time, or have maintained lasting cultural relevance.
  • We seek representation of key artists and tracks that encapsulate the essence and diversity of 80s R&B/Soul.