Around these parts, we prefer R&B in its purest form—meaning we value themes, begging, vocals, storytelling, musicality, vocals, emotion, quotables, production, replay value, vocals, impact, and did we mention vocals? After combing through copious amounts of new music throughout this past year and enjoying a healthy amount of it, VIBE—comprised of alt&B and soulful aficionados alike—chose the top 25 R&B Songs of 2022. Some were sleepers. A few were no-brainers—i.e. Jazmine Sullivan and FLO—while other selections required a lengthier thought process like why we chose Mary J. Blige’s collaboration with Anderson .Paak over the title track from Good Morning Gorgeous or which songs from RENAISSANCE were making the cut.
To say R&B dominated this year musically would be an understatement. Despite some prominent industry waymakers declaring the genre dead (again), those who actually ignore active clickbait know otherwise.
Whether you gravitate towards the seduction Chris Brown speaks of, the never-ending groove from Charlie Wilson, or opt for a vulnerable soundtrack pouring out from an array of artists, we can attest there’s something here for R&B students, veterans, and overall lovers. Now, we know how y’all like to tussle, so this list may vary from your personal preference and that’s okay. Music is a universal conduit, so we ask that you keep an open mind as you may discover something new and most of all, divulge our reasoning behind these choices.
With that being said, allow VIBE to present our Best R&B Songs of 2022 list, ranked, below.