The albums that define
rhythm and blues.
Our picks for where to start with rhythm and blues — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top rhythm and blues artists
Start with one of these.
The rhythm and blues essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Stevie Wonder
With a Song in My Heart
A vibrant blend of jazz standards and pop-infused melodies that showcases youthful exuberance and emotional depth.
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Stevie Wonder
Up Tight
A vibrant blend of soul and pop, marked by infectious melodies and rhythmic grooves that showcase Wonder's early musical genius.
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Sakis Rouvas
Live Ballads
A captivating blend of emotive ballads infused with soulful melodies and heartfelt performances that resonate deeply with listeners.
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Enrique Iglesias
Quizás
A passionate blend of romantic ballads and rhythmic pop, showcasing Iglesias' emotive vocals against lush instrumentation.
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Enrique Iglesias
7
A dynamic blend of pop and R&B infused with Enrique's signature romantic flair and emotive vocal delivery.
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John Lee Hooker
Don't Look Back
A gritty blend of traditional blues with rhythmic undertones and soulful storytelling that evokes the essence of American musical heritage.
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John Lee Hooker
Don't Turn Me from Your Door
A raw blend of rhythmic blues grooves and heartfelt storytelling that captures the essence of early 1960s American music.
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The Jackson 5
Lookin' Through the Windows
Sunny melodies and infectious grooves blend with youthful harmonies, embodying the exuberance of early '70s pop and soul.
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The Jackson 5
Dancing Machine
A vibrant blend of disco and funk, infused with the exuberance of youthful energy and infectious grooves.
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Jennifer Lopez
This Is Me... Now
An introspective blend of pop and R&B, capturing love's complexities through vibrant melodies and heartfelt lyrics.
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Jennifer Lopez
Love?
A pulsating blend of dance-pop and R&B, infused with Latin rhythms and anthemic choruses that invite movement.
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Diana Ross
Diana Ross
A blend of lush orchestration and disco grooves, showcasing Ross's powerful vocals in a vibrant celebration of love.
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Diana Ross
Every Day Is a New Day
A vibrant blend of pop, soul, and dance music that radiates optimism and resilience.
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Whitney Houston
One Wish – The Holiday Album
A warm blend of soulful pop and gospel-infused holiday classics that showcase Whitney's iconic voice.
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Whitney Houston
I'm Your Baby Tonight
A vibrant blend of R&B and pop, showcasing Whitney's soaring vocals against lush, upbeat production.
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Elvis Presley
Today
A blend of soulful ballads and country-infused rock, showcasing Elvis's emotional depth and vocal prowess.
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Elvis Presley
Love Letters from Elvis
A tender blend of heartfelt ballads and soulful grooves, showcasing Elvis's enduring vocal charisma and emotional depth.
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Lionel Richie
Coming Home
A soulful blend of contemporary pop and classic R&B that showcases Richie's signature smooth vocals.
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Lionel Richie
Just for You
A smooth blend of contemporary R&B and classic soul infused with heartfelt melodies and rich vocal harmonies.
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Earth, Wind & Fire
Illumination
A vibrant blend of funk and rhythm and blues, infused with uplifting melodies and rich harmonies that celebrate life and love.
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Elton John
Too Low for Zero
A vibrant blend of pop rock and rhythm and blues that captures resilience and introspection with infectious melodies.
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Elton John
Ice on Fire
A lush blend of synth-pop and soft rock, marked by emotive melodies and poignant lyricism.
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Earth, Wind & Fire
Raise!
A vibrant fusion of funk and R&B, rich with horn arrangements and uplifting grooves that inspire movement and joy.
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Patti LaBelle
Patti LaBelle
A vibrant blend of soul and R&B, showcasing powerful vocals and infectious grooves that invite listeners to dance.
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By decade
Where rhythm and blues landed in each era.