The albums that define
contemporary r&b.
Our picks for where to start with contemporary r&b — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top contemporary R&B artists
Start with one of these.
The contemporary r&b essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Justin Timberlake
The 20/20 Experience
A lush blend of contemporary R&B and pop infused with intricate melodies and layered instrumentation.
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Justin Timberlake
The 20/20 Experience: 2 of 2
A lush blend of modern R&B and pop, layered with intricate instrumentation and Timberlake's smooth falsetto.
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Prince
The Black Album
A provocative blend of funk, rock, and provocative lyrics that challenges societal norms and personal boundaries.
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Ariana Grande
Christmas Kisses
Ariana Grande's holiday EP blends soulful pop and R&B with festive cheer and contemporary flair.
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Chris Brown
Chris Brown
A vibrant blend of contemporary R&B and hip-hop infused with infectious pop melodies and rhythmic grooves.
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Kanye West
Donda
An expansive and ambitious exploration of grief, faith, and redemption through layered production and introspective lyricism.
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Madonna
I'm Breathless – Music from and Inspired by the Film Dick Tracy
A vibrant mix of theatrical pop and jazz-infused melodies that evoke the glitz of classic cinema.
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Madonna
The Immaculate Collection
A vibrant collection of pop anthems that defined a decade, showcasing Madonna's eclectic musicality and cultural impact.
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Taylor Swift
Speak Now
A sweeping blend of country and pop, layered with confessional storytelling and rich melodies.
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Taylor Swift
Fearless
A vibrant blend of country-pop anthems that capture youthful romance and heartache with infectious melodies.
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Justin Bieber
Swag
A vibrant blend of contemporary R&B and hip-hop laced with introspective lyrics and infectious melodies.
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Beyoncé
B'Day
A vibrant blend of R&B and pop, showcasing confident anthems and introspective ballads led by Beyoncé's powerful vocals.
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Beyoncé
Renaissance
A vibrant celebration of dance and self-empowerment, blending house beats with soulful melodies.
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Christina Aguilera
Christina Aguilera
A vibrant fusion of pop and R&B that showcases Aguilera's powerful vocals and catchy hooks.
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The Weeknd
Kiss Land
Atmospheric soundscapes blend with haunting vocals, evoking both intimacy and isolation in a modern urban landscape.
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XXXTentacion
Skins
A raw and fragmented exploration of vulnerability, laced with emotional intensity and minimalist production.
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XXXTentacion
17
A raw exploration of emotional turmoil, blending introspective lyrics with minimalist production and haunting melodies.
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Ty Dolla Sign
Vultures 1
A daring blend of introspective lyrics and experimental production that challenges contemporary hip-hop norms.
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Anuel AA
Real hasta la muerte
A raw blend of Latin trap and reggaeton that captures the struggles and triumphs of street life.
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Donald Glover
3.15.20
A kaleidoscopic exploration of genre blending, seamlessly merging psychedelic grooves with introspective lyricism.
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Donald Glover
Atavista
A kaleidoscopic blend of funk, R&B, and psychedelic sounds that captures existential musings.
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Meghan Trainor
Title
A vibrant blend of doo-wop and contemporary pop, celebrating self-love with catchy melodies and playful lyrics.
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Sylwia Grzeszczak
Sen o przyszłości
A vibrant blend of contemporary R&B and pop melodies that resonate with youthful hope and introspection.
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Amir Tataloo
Live concert of Amir Tataloo on BBC
A vibrant showcase of contemporary R&B and rap, blending traditional Iranian melodies with modern grooves.
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