Jump into 2023’s hottest R&B songs. 50 irresistible tracks that kept us grooving all year long. No rankings, just pure vibes. Get ready to feel the rhythm!
2023 has been yet again a huge year for R&B / Soul. The scene globally has continued to shine. From fantastic live shows to outstanding music released throughout the year, 2023 has truly flourished and delivered on all fronts! As usual, we’re back to recap our Top 50 R&B songs of the year. Plus reminisce on some of the year’s standout moments.
Victoria Monét – On My Mama
Victoria Monét’s album JAGUAR II not only captivated us, but it also served up one of the tracks of the year with On My Mama. This track isn’t just musically transcendent; its accompanying visuals stood out as one of the most revered in 2023! Drawing inspiration from early 2000’s R&B vibes, the video added a fresh dimension to this already sensational hit. What’s more, the track’s popularity soared with the global phenomenon of the ‘On My Mama Challenge’ spreading like wildfire across all social media platforms.
Mnelia – Genesis (Remix)
In an exceptionally strong year for R&B/Soul, what better way to celebrate than with an all-female collaboration! Enter Mnelia, who gifted us with a standout moment in 2023 through the Genesis (Remix). From her fantastic project Closure Tapes, this track features the incredible talents of Bellah, Joyce Wrice, and Miraa May. Each of these four talented ladies brought their authentic R&B flair, creating an amazing homage to female R&B in 2023. And let’s not forget the captivating visual that added an extra sparkle to this already outstanding song!
Saint Harison – ego talkin’
Sometimes, a song hits you right from the start and stays with you forever. That’s exactly the magic of ego talkin by the talented singer/songwriter, Saint Harison. To call Saint Harison’s vocals exceptional would be an understatement – they’re simply breathtaking in this track. The lyrics are pristine, making this song an absolute standout. It’s a shining example that top-notch vocals and lyrics are still an essential in 2023! Saint Harison definitely served up one of the standout R&B songs of the year.
Jordan Ward – White Crocs ft. Ryan Trey
Jordan Ward’s 2023 has been nothing short of amazing! His album FORWARD stood out as one of the absolute best projects of the year, and within it, the standout single White Crocs truly shines. Right from the start, the song captivates with its hypnotic beats, while Jordan’s smooth vocals add an extra layer of brilliance. And let’s not forget Ryan Trey’s effortless verse, gliding seamlessly across the track. In simple words, this is modern-day R&B at its absolute finest! Plus we love an R&B song with a dance video.
Elmiene – Mad At Fire
Elmiene has had an incredible year making huge waves in R&B/Soul. He dropped two powerful EPs: El-Mean in March and Marking My Time in October, showcasing his exceptional talent. Notably, he joined the prestigious Def Jam Records, a significant milestone in his career to date.
Throughout both projects, his soulful and calming vocals shine brightly, especially on the single Mad At Fire. In this heartfelt song, he touches on navigating the end of a relationship, encouraging both sides to treasure their past love while moving ahead gracefully. The song immediately made impact as one of the year’s best R&B songs. Overall, Elmiene is an artist worth keeping a close eye (and ear) on as we head into 2024. His talent and emotional depth make him a standout.
