Last updated on January 31, 2026, updated every month.
Emerging from the deep roots of African American music in the 1940s, Rhythm and Blues (R&B) evolved by intertwining elements of blues, jazz, and gospel. Throughout the decades, it absorbed influences from soul, funk, and hip-hop, morphing into a richly diverse genre by the end of the 2000s. As the 2010s dawned, R&B continued its evolutionary journey, adapting to contemporary musical trends while retaining its essential core.
The list below ranks 20 vintage 2010S R&B songs in descending order of engagement over the last six months.
1 . Kendrick Lamar - All The Stars
“All The Stars” arrives at the crossroads where contemporary hip-hop meets Afrofuturism, a bold entry that doubles as a thematic linchpin for “Black Panther.”
Kendrick Lamar’s razor-sharp verses weave seamlessly alongside SZA’s controlled yet cathartic vocals, creating an interplay that mirrors the film’s tension between tradition and modernity.
The track oscillates between grandiosity and introspection, with its lush, atmospheric production driven by Sounwave’s layered beats and crisp rhythms under the TDE banner.
Structurally, it thrives on its ability to stitch Lamar’s grounded lyricism to SZA’s ethereal vocal arcs—melding voices and perspectives, almost as if in a tug-of-war for hope.
If the Billboard charts (peaking at #7) crowned its popularity, the accompanying visuals—brimming with meticulously crafted Afrofuturistic aesthetics—cemented its status as a cultural artifact.
Directed by Dave Meyers and Lamar’s creative collective, the video’s kaleidoscopic imagery invites viewers to reconsider traditional narratives of strength and identity within Black culture.
Contextually, the song transcends its function as a soundtrack piece, carrying the weight of the Marvel juggernaut while asserting its own standalone identity amidst the awards-season fray.
“All The Stars” doesn’t just ride the coattails of its cinematic counterpart—it parallels and amplifies its ambition, proving that music and film, when executed this cohesively, can coexist as equals in the realm of cultural storytelling.
Genres : Hip Hop, Pop, R&B,conscious hip hop, hip hop, rap, west coast rap, pop, r&b
The music video is directed by Dave Meyer
Featured on the album 2018,Black Panther: The Album
14.80% / -0.36%
2 . Asap Rocky - Everyday
Mixing rap, rock, and soul, “Everyday” by A$AP Rocky, released in 2015, samples “In a Broken Dream” by Python Lee Jackson featuring Rod Stewart. The track also features contributions from Miguel and producer Mark Ronson, known for his work with Amy Winehouse and Bruno Mars.
The music video is directed by Emmanuel Cossu and Fleur & Manu.
Writer(s) : Asap Rocky, David Keith Bentley, Frans Chaim Mernick, Mark D Ronson Publisher(s) : Asap Rocky Publishing Llc, Concord Sounds, Sony Atv Songs Llc, Songs Of Zelig
Genres : Hip Hop, Rock, R&B,east coast hip hop, hip hop, rap, trap, mellow gold, soft rock, r&b, urban contemporary, pop soul
Genres : Hip Hop, Rock, R&B,east coast hip hop, hip hop, rap, trap, mellow gold, soft rock, r&b, urban contemporary, pop soul
The music video is directed by Emmanuel Cossu and Fleur & Manu
Featured on the album 2015,At. Long. Last. ASAP
7.97% / -0.07%
3 . Summer Walker - Playing Games
Interpolating Destiny’s Child’s “Say My Name,” and featuring Bryson Tiller, Summer Walker’s “Playing Games” portrays her journey through love’s complexities, heartache, and revenge. Set against a city lights backdrop in surreal settings, the music video, directed by Christine Yuan, delves into the theme of emotional and somewhat sado-masochistic games in relationships and that involves ignoring an apologetic man bearing flowers or throwing a knife at another.
The music video is directed by Christine Yuan.
Writer(s) : Bryson Tiller, London Tyler Holmes, Rodney Roy Jerkins, Freddie D Jerkins Iii, Lashawn Ameen Daniels, Summer Marjani Walker, Beyonce Knowles, Kelendria Trené Rowland, Kendall Roark Bailey, Letoya Nicole Luckett, Cameron Griffin, Latavia Marie Roberson, Aubrey Robinson Publisher(s) : Latavia Music Publishing, Sundaemorningllc, W B Music Corp, Unknown Publisher, Lvrn Publishing
Genres : Hip Hop, R&B,r&b, rap, kentucky hip hop
Genres : Hip Hop, R&B,r&b, rap, kentucky hip hop
The music video is directed by Christine Yuan
Featured on the album 2019,Over It
7.75% / -0.13%
4 . Jorja Smith - Blue Lights
In “Blue Lights,” Jorja Smith tackles the harsh realities of police profiling and racial tension, framed by a haunting blend of R&B, grime, and soul. The song’s lyrics, inspired by a school project on post-colonialism, offer a vivid portrayal of the fear and anxiety faced by young black men when confronted by police. With its minimalistic production and Smith’s emotive vocal performance, “Blue Lights” stands as a powerful commentary on social justice, resonating deeply in a world grappling with issues of race and authority.
The music video is directed by Olivia Rose.
Writer(s) : Nicholas Detnon, Jorja Smith, Ben Joyce, Dylan Mills, Roland Romanelli, Guy Bonnet Publisher(s) : Emi Songs France, Warner Chappell Music Ltd, Sony/Atv Music Publishing Allegro (Uk), Notting Hill Music Ltd (Uk), Hero Music Ltd (Gb 1), Johnny William Son
Genres : R&B,r&b, uk contemporary r&b
Genres : R&B,r&b, uk contemporary r&b
The music video is directed by Olivia Rose
Featured on the album 2016,Lost & Found
7.72% / -0.16%
5 . Toni Braxton - Yesterday
Existing in two versions, one solo and the other featuring Trey Songz, “Yesterday” by Toni Braxton, released in 2009, is an emotional ballad about the pain of a breakup. Produced by DJ Frank E, who has worked with Flo Rida and Justin Bieber.
The music video is directed by Bille Woodruff.
Writer(s) : Justin Franks, Terrence Carl Battle, Jerome Edward Armstrong, Toni Braxton, Michael David White Publisher(s) : J Franks Publishing, Artist 101 Publishing Group, Artist Publishing Group West, 020184 Music, Godsmike Publishing
Genres : R&B, Pop, Hip Hop,contemporary r&b, dance pop, r&b, urban contemporary, southern hip hop, trap
Genres : R&B, Pop, Hip Hop,contemporary r&b, dance pop, r&b, urban contemporary, southern hip hop, trap
The music video is directed by Bille Woodruff
Featured on the album 2010,Pulse
7.46% / -0.29%
6 . Nick Jonas - Jealous
Nick Jonas’ “Jealous,” a 2014 Sir Nolan production, explores male jealousy in relationships, inspired by Jonas’ own experiences with then-girlfriend Olivia Culpo. The song peaked at #7 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking his highest solo chart placement. A remix featuring Tinashe added further depth to the song’s appeal. “Jealous” reflects Jonas’ transition from boy band member to mature solo artist, a shift mirrored in his role on TV’s “Kingdom.” Sir Nolan’s sleek production elevates Jonas’ vocals, delivering a modern, catchy track that aligns with the polished, R&B-inflected soundscape of Jonas’ solo career.
Writer(s) : Simon Wilcox, Nolan Lambroza, Joseph Jonas Publisher(s) : The Messengers Joints, Nick Jonas Publishing, Fun Cooker
Genres : 10s_r_and_b
Genres : R&B, Pop, Electronic, Hip Hop,dance pop, pop, alternative r&b, metropopolis, r&b, urban contemporary
6.29% / -0.09%
7 . Weeknd - Try Me
Echoing the somber tones of The Weeknd’s “My Dear Melancholy,” “Try Me” portrays a seductive dance between nostalgia and desire. The Weeknd croons about reigniting a complicated past relationship, tempting a woman seemingly committed elsewhere. Set against a backdrop of minimalist R&B production, the song drips with tension and bittersweet longing, capturing the fleeting moments where past passions resurface, despite the complications they bring.
The music video is directed by The Weeknd.
Writer(s) : Adam Feeney, Abel Tesfaye, Marquel Middlebrooks, Jason Quenneville, Michael Len Ii Williams, Ahmad Balshe Publisher(s) : Eardrummers Entertainment Llc, Unknown Publisher, Wc Music Corp, Sal And Co Lp, Warner Tamerlane Publishing Co
Genres : R&B, Pop,canadian contemporary r&b, canadian pop, pop
Genres : R&B, Pop,canadian contemporary r&b, canadian pop, pop
The music video is directed by The Weeknd
Featured on the album 2018,My Dear Melancholy
6.28% / 0.08%
8 . Khalid - Better
Khalid’s “Better” combines a smooth R&B vibe with a mid-tempo beat that evokes ’90s Miami bass, showcasing his effortless vocal delivery. In the accompanying music video, Khalid performs against the gritty backdrop of downtown L.A., surrounded by vintage BMWs in a visual that echoes the laid-back yet vibrant energy of the song. The track captures the essence of feeling content and secure in the presence of someone special, making it a standout in Khalid’s discography.
The music video is directed by Andrew Donoho.
Writer(s) : Tor Erik Hermansen, Khalid Robinson, Ryan Vojtesak, Jamil Chammas, Mikkel Eriksen Publisher(s) : Songs Of Universal Inc, Emi Music Publishing Ltd, Cuts Of Reach Mc, W B Music Corp, Sony Atv Songs Llc, Jamil Chammas Publishing
Genres : Pop, R&B,pop, pop r&b
Genres : Pop, R&B,pop, pop r&b
The music video is directed by Andrew Donoho
Featured on the album 2018,Suncity
6.15% / -0.08%
9 . Alessia Cara - Scars To Your Beautiful
Released in 2016, “Scars to Your Beautiful” quickly stakes out pop ballad territory with its tale of a girl battling self-image issues.
The lyrics take aim at media-driven beauty norms, offering a mirror to the pressures that shape insecurity more than any surface flaw ever could.
Rather than wallow, it pivots toward uplift in the chorus: “You should know you’re beautiful just the way you are.”
Cara draws from personal brushes with body image struggles, and there’s no glossing over tough topics—think eating disorders, self-harm, invisible wounds.
Though the melody stays polished, critics have compared its theme to TLC’s “Unpretty,” another track that pulls no punches on the cost of chasing perfection.
Writer(s) : Coleridge Tillman, Alessia Caracciolo, Warren Okay Felder Iii, Andrew Wansel Publisher(s) : Songs Of Universal Inc, Sony Atv Ballad, Crow S Tree Publishing, Sony Atv Songs Llc
Genres : 10s_r_and_b
Genres : R&B, Pop,canadian contemporary r&b, canadian pop, pop
Featured on the album 2015,Know-It-All
5.74% / -0.03%
10 . Chris Brown - Deuces
An anthem of post-breakup empowerment, “Deuces” by Chris Brown, featuring Tyga and Kevin McCall, released in 2010, tops the charts and becomes Brown’s first number one single since “Say Goodbye.” Produced by Kevin McCall and DJ Frank E.
The music video is directed by Colin Tilley.
Writer(s) : Kevin Lyle Mccall, Christopher Maurice Brown, Michael Stevenson Publisher(s) : Songs Of Universal Inc, Emi Blackwood Music Inc, Culture Beyond Ur Experience Publishing, Tygaman Music
Genres : Hip Hop, R&B,r&b, rap, hip hop, pop rap, southern hip hop, trap, slow game
Genres : Hip Hop, R&B,r&b, rap, hip hop, pop rap, southern hip hop, trap, slow game
The music video is directed by Colin Tilley
Featured on the album 2010,Fan of a Fan
5.50% / -0.16%
11 . Trey Songz - Heart Attack
Featuring Kelly Rowland as the love interest, “Heart Attack” by Trey Songz, released in 2012, is an R&B ballad produced by Benny Blanco and Rico Love. The song deals with the pains and tribulations of romantic relationships, and Trey Songz delivers a powerful vocal performance. The track is certified platinum by the RIAA and received a Grammy nomination.
The music video is directed by Benny Boom.
Writer(s) : Trey Songz, Benjamin Levin, Rico Love Publisher(s) : Where Da Kasz At
Genres : Pop, R&B, Hip Hop,dance pop, r&b, southern hip hop, trap, urban contemporary
Genres : Pop, R&B, Hip Hop,dance pop, r&b, southern hip hop, trap, urban contemporary
The music video is directed by Benny Boom
Featured on the album 2012,Chapter V
5.31% / -0.11%
12 . Nafe Smallz - Good Love
“Good Love” appears on British rapper Nafe Smallz’s 2019 album *Good Love*, a hip‑hop project released June 21, 2019.
Writer(s) : Mark Battles, Tory Lanez Publisher(s) : Velocity Future Collections, Inconnu Editeur
Genres : 10s_trap
Genres : World/Traditional, Hip Hop, R&B,afroswing, uk hip hop, canadian hip hop, canadian trap, melodic rap, pop rap, r&b, rap, trap
5.27% / -0.10%
13 . Beyoncé - Before I Let Go
Beyoncé’s rendition of “Before I Let Go” reimagines the 1981 Maze featuring Frankie Beverly classic, infusing it with the vibrant rhythms of New Orleans bounce music. Layering a DJ Jubilee sample and weaving in an interpolation of Cameo’s “Candy,” the track pulses with energetic beats while staying rooted in its soulful origins. Featured during the credits of her *Homecoming* documentary, which chronicles her iconic 2018 Coachella performance, Beyoncé’s version transforms the song into a celebration of joy and nostalgia, merging past and present.
Writer(s) : Lawrence Ernest Black, Thomas Michael Jenkins, Frankie Beverly Publisher(s) : Amazement Music
Genres : Pop, R&B,pop, r&b
Genres : Pop, R&B,pop, r&b
Featured on the album 2019,HOMECOMING: THE LIVE ALBUM
5.07% / -0.14%
14 . Jazmine Sullivan - Bust Your Windows
Jazmine Sullivan’s “Bust Your Windows” channels raw emotion into a tale of heartbreak and revenge, set to a backdrop of tango-infused R&B. The song’s narrative of a woman taking matters into her own hands after discovering her lover’s infidelity is both empowering and cautionary, reflecting on the consequences of such actions. With its dramatic string arrangements and Sullivan’s powerful vocals, “Bust Your Windows” became a defining moment in contemporary R&B, earning critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination.
Writer(s) : Deandre Way, Jazmine Sullivan Publisher(s) : Tunes By Nickelodeon Inc, Music By Nickelodeon Inc
Genres : Pop, R&B, Hip Hop,hip pop, neo soul, r&b, urban contemporary
Genres : Pop, R&B, Hip Hop,hip pop, neo soul, r&b, urban contemporary
Featured on the album 2008,Fearless
5.01% / -0.04%
15 . Loyle Carner - Ottolenghi
“Ottolenghi” lands on Loyle Carner’s second studio album, *Not Waving, But Drowning*, and features Jordan Rakei, who handles production, composition, and co-writing.
The track, also credited to Alfa Sekitoleko and Benjamin Coyle-Larner, includes a spoken-word interlude by David Rawlins, as if the lyrics needed more introspection.
Mixing and mastering fall to Dan Parry and Mike Bozzi, keeping things sonically tight for a song about temporal looseness and family reckonings.
The title nods to British chef Yotam Ottolenghi, which makes a bit more sense once you learn Carner started a cooking school for kids with ADHD.
Lines reflecting on parenthood drift through the verses, stitched with memory, routine, and faint domestic panic, while the video tactfully mirrors these moods without spelling them out.
Writer(s) : Benjamin Gerard Coyle-Larner
Genres : 10s_r_and_b
Genres : R&B, Hip Hop,indie soul, london rap, neo r&b
Featured on the album 2019,Not Waving, but Drowning
5.00% / -0.03%
16 . Billie Eilish - Lovely
Billie Eilish and Khalid’s “Lovely” intertwines melancholy and hope in a delicate chamber pop setting. The song, which grapples with themes of depression and isolation, is underscored by a haunting piano melody and orchestral strings. The music video, where the two artists find themselves trapped in a glass box, visually symbolizes the emotional confinement the lyrics describe. “Lovely” resonates as a poignant reflection on the struggles of finding beauty in pain and seeking light amidst darkness.
The music video is directed by Taylor Cohen & Matty Peacock.
Writer(s) : Billie Eilish, Khalid Robinson, Finneas Baird O’Connell Publisher(s) : Sony Atv Tunes Llc, Drup, Last Frontier, Universal Music Corporationfalse
Genres : Pop, R&B,art pop, pop, pop r&b
Genres : Pop, R&B,art pop, pop, pop r&b
The music video is directed by Taylor Cohen & Matty Peacock
4.97% / -0.05%
17 . Weeknd - Blinding Lights
Infused with the electric pulse of the ’80s, “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd captures the nostalgia of synth-pop while weaving a tale of love lost and yearned for. The song’s driving beat and retro synths create an irresistible energy that mirrors the intensity of searching for a guiding light in the darkness of solitude. The lyrics, steeped in longing and desperation, reflect The Weeknd’s journey through a neon-lit haze of desire and confusion. The music video, shot amidst the vibrant chaos of Las Vegas, perfectly encapsulates the frenzied search for connection in a world of bright lights and endless nights.
The music video is directed by Anton Tammi.
Writer(s) : Martin Karl Sandberg, Abel Tesfaye, Jason Quenneville, Ahmad Balshe, Oscar Thomas Holter Publisher(s) : Kmr Music Royalties Ii Scsp, Sal And Co Lp, Mxm Music Ab, Wc Music Corp, Universal Music Corporation, Songs Of Wolf Cousins
Genres : R&B, Pop,canadian contemporary r&b, canadian pop, pop
Genres : R&B, Pop,canadian contemporary r&b, canadian pop, pop
The music video is directed by Anton Tammi
Featured on the album 2020,After Hours
4.96% / -0.05%
18 . Sam Smith - Dancing With A Stranger
Blending slick R&B with airy pop minimalism, “Dancing With A Stranger” teams Sam Smith and Normani in a post-breakup spiral clothed in glossy restraint.
Recorded after an impromptu studio rendezvous, the track leans into late-night solitude, emotional deflection, and the kind of glamorous melancholy craving a stranger’s arms.
Released in 2019, it reaches No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earns Multi-Platinum status in the U.S.
The song’s video pairs its sonic chill with stylized ennui—think chrome interiors and mood lighting over melodrama.
The music video is directed by Vaughan Arnell.
Writer(s) : Tor Erik Hermansen, Jimmy Napes, Normani Kordei Hamilton, Samuel Smith, Mikkel Eriksen Publisher(s) : Stellar Songs Limited, Emi Music Publishing Ltd, Dcmuk Simp Ltd, Naughty Words Limited, Emi Blackwood Music Inc, Songs Of Nkh
Genres : 10s_r_and_b
Genres : Pop, R&B,pop, uk pop, r&b
Featured on the album 2020,Love Goes
4.84% / -0.07%
19 . Ella Mai - Trip
Against a backdrop of contemporary R&B infused with classic soul vibes, Ella Mai’s “Trip” navigates emotional complexities in love and relationships. Her candid delivery conveys vulnerability and insecurity, juxtaposed with deep affection. This 2018 release builds on the momentum of her breakout hit, “Boo’d Up,” while the controversy surrounding a popular remix by Jacquees, later removed from platforms, further propelled its cultural impact.
The music video is directed by Shane C. Drake.
Writer(s) : Varren Jerome Lloyd Wade, Dijon Mcfarlane, Ella Mai Howell, Quintin Ferbie Gulledge Publisher(s) : Peermusic Iii Ltd, Qcandoit Music, Songs Of Volume Ventures, Ella Mai Publishing, Sony Atv Ballad, Songs Of Razor And Tie, Mustard On The Beat Publishingfalse
Genres : 10s_r_and_b
Genres : R&B, Hip Hop,r&b, rap, uk contemporary r&b
The music video is directed by Joseph Kahn
Featured on the album 2018,Ella Mai
4.82% / -0.04%
20 . Chris Brown - Liquor
Chris Brown’s “Liquor” is a hypnotic slow jam where desire and intoxication blur the lines of reality. The psychedelic production mirrors the altered state described in the lyrics, as Brown finds himself drawn deeper into the allure of a night fueled by alcohol. The music video, which seamlessly blends into another track, “Zero,” visually explores this altered reality, capturing the seductive pull of temptation.
The music video is directed by Chris Brown.
Writer(s) : Christopher Maurice Brown, Kenneth N Shelton, Antonio Eugene William Stith, Chris Brown, Omega Shelton, Irvin Whitlow Publisher(s) : Omega Shelton Music, Built By Music, Troika Works Music
Genres : R&B, Hip Hop,r&b, rap
Genres : R&B, Hip Hop,r&b, rap
The music video is directed by Chris Brown
Featured on the album 2015,Royalty
4.79% / -0.21%
Kendrick Lamar’s “All The Stars” keeps the top spot, ahead of Asap Rocky’s “Everyday” and Jorja Smith’s “Blue Lights.” The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” re-enters at seventeen, followed by Jazmine Sullivan’s “Bust Your Windows” at eighteen and Billie Eilish & Khalid’s “Lovely” closing at nineteen.
The 2010s R&B chart sees minor upper-tier shifts and several re-entries, led by a strong trio of late-year arrivals.
Modest disclaimer: We don’t claim to be exhaustive. It’s possible you won’t find a title you expected to see on this list. Sorry about that — these things happen.