We are well into 2024, but we can’t forget the fantastic R&B vibes that 2023 gave us. SZA topped the charts with her sophomore album, “SOS,” the entire year. CoCo Jones did her big one with her EP, “What I Didn’t Tell You.” We also saw drops from Victoria Monét and Brent Faiyaz. In addition, Muni Long resurged into the R&B space before the year closed.
Although 2023 has ended, and we are on to bigger and better things in 2024, we don’t have to give up the music! After all, good music can live on for years to come. In no particular order, here are 10 of the best R&B songs of 2023.
1. “My Phone Can Die” – Rory ft. Ari Lennox & James Fauntleroy
Rory, of the “New Rory and MAL” podcast, ventured into a new lane and released his debut album in 2023. The album, “I Thought It’d Be Different,” was released during the summer and produced collaborations from big names in R&B. Notably, Ari Lennox and James Fauntleroy lent their voices to the breakout single, “My Phone Can Die.”
The song emulates the emotions of a new love. The feeling of never wanting to leave their side and spending all your time with your partner, so much so you don’t even care if your phone dies. “My Phone Can Die” taps into the roots of R&B, focusing on the joy that love can bring you.
2. “On My Mama” – Victoria Monét
Victoria Monét’s debut studio album, “Jaguar II,” was led by her hit single, “On My Mama.” During an interview with Ebro Darden, Monét revealed that the song was written two years ago, shortly after her daughter was born. Like many new mothers, the 33-year-old was struggling with postpartum depression. Writing this song became therapeutic for her as it reminded her of her strength, beauty, and confidence.
Sampling the 2009 hit from Charlie Boy, “I Look Good,” the song gave listeners a dose of nostalgia with a modern edge. “On My Mama” charted No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 Mainstream R&B Chart as the year closed. In 2023, the music video was a favorite, as many fans performed the choreography at parties and on social media.
3. “How Does It Make You Feel” – Victoria Monét
Victoria Monét had such an incredible year. So, it’s no surprise that the talent earned two songs on this list. The R&B singer tapped into her love songs bag and co-wrote the track “How Does It Make You Feel.” Earning praises from Anita Baker, this song has been certified as an R&B classic that perfectly describes the feeling of true love.
4. “ICU” – Coco Jones
CoCo Jones first caught our attention during her Disney Channel days, but she is all grown up now. The singer and actress returned to the spotlight after covering several songs on TikTok. Subsequently, she released her EP, “What I Didn’t Tell You.” The single “ICU” led the project, which charted No. 1 on the Billboard Mainstream R&B charts. The song touches on love in its most vulnerable state. The feeling of needing and wanting someone so badly that it hurts is expressed with the double entendre of ICU.
5. “Snooze” – SZA
Since the release of SZA’s second studio album, “SOS,” “Snooze” has been a fan-favorite. It is the only song to spend every week on the Billboard Hot 100 charts in 2023, proving its immense success. A standout song on the critically acclaimed album, the track provides a calm but reassuring definition of love. The collaboration of SZA and Leon Thomas’s genius appears in the lyrics and music production.
The song was also released acoustically, featuring Justin Bieber, adding a man’s perspective on not wanting to lose the love of his life. There is no argument that this song was one of the best R&B songs of 2023.
6. “Kill Bill” – SZA
Taking a sharp turn from the love story in “Snooze,” SZA spoke about heartbreak in her hit single, “Kill Bill.” Highlighting the struggles of breaking up and watching your partner move on, fans related to the song instantly. The anger and sadness expressed by the 34-year-old translated into the music video. Inspired by the movie of the same title, “Kill Bill” represents the lengths someone will go to for the ones they love.
7. “Moment Of Your Life” – Brent Faiyaz with CoCo Jones
There is nothing like an old-fashioned R&B duet and Brent Faiyaz delivered on his latest mixtape, “Larger than Life.” Partnering with CoCo Jones on “Moment Of Your Life,” the songbird made an excellent choice. Jones’s smooth, melodic tones and Faiyaz’s nostalgic 90s vibe made for the perfect duet. This song is likely being added to wedding playlists nationwide, making it one of the best R&B songs of 2023.
8. “Water” – Tyla
9. “Good Good” – Usher ft. Summer Walker & 21 Savage
Usher has been stepping on necks since his debut in the early 90s. Nearly 30 years later, he is still giving us more! The R&B singer teamed up with Summer Walker and 21 Savage to produce the perfect track for the post-breakup feels. This song leads his forthcoming album, “Coming Home.”
10. “Made For Me” – Muni Long
After finding success with her single “Hrs & Hrs,” Muni Long is back on our playlists with a new hit. Long delivered a terrific performance of “Made For Me” at the Soul Train Awards, catching the attention of R&B lovers. The singer-songwriter is well-versed in love songs as she perfectly describes what it is like to be in love.
The best R&B songs of 2023 prove that the genre is not dead.
The state of music and R&B has birthed an endless debate as people demand more from artists. These artists keep their ears to the streets as they incorporate the true origins of R&B and creativity into their music.
2023 provided endless tunes to choose from, and 2024 is sure to bring us even more. We are anticipating drops from several artists this year. In fact, SZA is gearing up to release the deluxe version of “SOS,” titled “Lana.” We can also expect a debut album from the girl group FLO.
Which of these songs do you think is the best R&B track of 2023? Let us know in the comments below.
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