R&B songs that defined an era

Arguably Al Green's most notable performance, this song has gone down in history as one of the best R&B songs of all time. It embodies the smooth, sensual sound of 70s soul and was a Billboard R&B chart-topping hit for nine weeks.

The title track from his debut album, which defined the neo-soul sound. This song was a cornerstone of the neo-soul movement, bringing a raw, organic, and deeply soulful sound back to R&B.

An iconic track that blended R&B, soul, and hip-hop with a strong female empowerment message. From her seminal album *The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill*, this song showcased Hill's lyrical prowess and genre-bending artistry.

The most important single on the most important album (*Thriller*) by the most important Black artist of the 20th century. Its groundbreaking music video was as important for Black musicians and MTV as 'Blueberry Hill' was for R&B/rock and roll.

This song marked Michael Jackson's successful transition into a solo superstar, defining the sophisticated, danceable R&B sound that would dominate the late 70s and early 80s. It's a quintessential disco-infused R&B track from his *Off the Wall* album.

This track from *Awaken, My Love!* paid homage to 70s funk and psychedelic soul, demonstrating Childish Gambino's artistic versatility and becoming a cultural touchstone with its distinctive falsetto vocals. It was critically acclaimed for its unique blend of funk and R&B.

This explosive track launched Beyoncé's solo career into superstardom, becoming an instant classic with its iconic horn sample, powerful vocals, and undeniable energy, defining the sound of mainstream R&B for the decade.

Aretha Franklin transformed Otis Redding's original into a powerful female empowerment anthem. It became her signature tune, a No. 1 pop and soul hit, and a cultural touchstone for civil rights and women's rights movements.

This song became a global hit, inspiring a TikTok dance challenge and showcasing Beyoncé's ability to innovate within R&B by incorporating retro influences with a modern sensibility, defining a celebratory mood for the era. It blends R&B with disco and funk.

A stone-cold R&B smash featuring Dr. Dre and Queen Pen. This song became an instant classic, blending smooth R&B harmonies with a hip-hop edge, and its catchy hook and iconic production made it one of the most recognizable and beloved tracks of the decade.

An era-defining hit with impressive depth, serving as a cautionary tale rooted in the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Beyond its fluid melody, the song's profound lyrics addressed critical social issues, making it a powerful and enduring R&B classic.

This 'earthquake' of a track helped R&B cross the line into what would soon be called rock and roll. It's a prime example of the raw, energetic R&B that directly influenced the birth of rock and roll.

Its explosion in popularity is attributed to breaking down barriers for Black musicians on national television. Fats Domino's rendition was instrumental in the widespread acceptance of R&B and rock and roll.

Considered one of the first true funk songs, it marked James Brown's shift toward a rhythm-driven sound. This track earned him his first Grammy Award and cemented his title as the 'Godfather of Soul.'

This seminal track set the tone for socially conscious R&B, blending smooth, sophisticated soul with urgent messages about war, poverty, and the environment. It was a pioneering step towards social commentary in music for both Gaye and Motown Records.

As the lead single from *Purple Rain*, this song was a bold, innovative statement that showcased Prince's genius, blending diverse genres and creating an urgent, emotional sound that defined his artistic peak. It famously removed the bassline entirely.

One of the first examples of blending R&B and hip-hop, a New Jack Swing classic. This track defined the New Jack Swing era, showcasing a fusion of R&B melodies with hip-hop beats and attitude.

This game-changing track established Mary J. Blige as the 'Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,' creating a new subgenre that fused R&B vocals with hip-hop production and lyrical themes, influencing countless artists.

This track was a cultural phenomenon, blending Usher's smooth R&B vocals with crunk beats and hip-hop verses, dominating charts and dance floors and showcasing the genre's evolving sound. It defined the crunk&B sound, becoming a massive club hit.