Love can mean many different things to many different people. For some it can be a source of joy and comfort, for others, it can be bittersweet, and for many, it can be a mix of both. But no matter what one’s experience of love is, in R&B there is a song out there that can capture it perfectly. So, if you’re looking for a song to express your undying love, heartache, or anything in between, then look no further than this list of the 100+ best R&B songs about love.
Top Best R&B Songs about Love
This list is based on nothing but personal preference, but each of the songs included are ones that are well-known and beloved among R&B fans.
- Crazy in Love by Beyoncé and Jay-Z
- Let’s Stay Together by Al Green
- I Will Always Love You by Whitney Houston
- Halo by Beyoncé
- Ribbon in the Sky by Stevie Wonder
- Why I Love You by MAJOR.
- Whipped Cream by Ari Lennox
- Here and Now by Luther Vandross
- Make It Last Forever by Keith Sweat
- Be With You by Mary J. Blige
Read More: R&B Songs That Will Make You Want to Hug Your Family Tight
R&B Songs about Family Love
Among all the topics that R&B songs cover, there is one that stands out as a particular favorite – family love. These songs often focus on the warm and fuzzy feelings we get when we’re surrounded by our loved ones. You know, the kind of feeling that makes you want to give your mom a hug and tell her how much you appreciate her, or call up your dad just to hear his voice. And if you’re not careful , you might just tear up while listening to these tunes. But, don’t worry, we won’t judge you for being a big softie. After all, who doesn’t love a good family love song?
- Mother by Ashanti
- Daddy’s Little Man” by O.C. Smith
- Dance With My Father by Luther Vandross
- A Song for Mama by Boyz II Men
- We Are Family by Sister Sledge
- Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone by The Temptations
- Family Reunion by The O’Jays
- Family Affair by Mary J. Blige
- Heaven Sent by Keyshia Cole
- Home by Jorja Smith
- I’ll Be There by The Jackson 5
Read More: Male R&B Singers of the 90s
R&B Songs about Self Love
Now, let’s talk about the real MVP of love – self love. In a world where we’re constantly bombarded with messages telling us we’re not good enough, self love is more important than ever. And luckily, R&B has plenty of songs that celebrate loving yourself, flaws and all. These songs remind us that we don’t need anyone else to validate our worth and that the most important relationship we’ll ever have is the one we have with ourselves. So, turn up the volume, look in the mirror, and sing along to these lovely tunes. Just be prepared for a healthy dose of sass and sarcasm along the way. Because, let’s be real, loving yourself can be hard, but it’s also pretty damn cool.
- Rise Up by Andra Day
- Blk Girl Soldier by Jamila Woods
- Perfect by Anne-Marie
- Pieces of Me by Ledisi
- Good as Hell by Lizzo
- Superwoman by Alicia Keys
- Just Fine by Mary J. Blige
- I’m Every Woman by Chaka Khan
- Flawless by Beyoncé
- A Sunday Kind of Love by Etta James
Read More: R&B Love Songs for Him
R&B Songs about falling in Love Unexpectedly
Let’s face it, falling in love unexpectedly can be both exhilarating and terrifying. One moment you’re minding your own business, and the next, you’re head over heels for someone you never saw coming. And if you are in this situation, just know you are not alone and there are plenty of R&B songs out there to soundtrack your experience. Here are a few.
- Falling by Trevor Daniel
- Unexpectedly by Jason Chen
- The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by Roberta Flack
- Falling by Alicia Keys
- DJ Got Us Fallin’ In Love in Love by Usher
- Fall for You by Leela James
- Falling in Love Tonight by Fantasia
Read More: R&B Birthday Songs For Your Next Celebration
R&B Songs about Love Triangles
Ah, love triangles. The stuff of soap operas and teenage dramas. But, let’s be honest., they happen in real life too. And when they do, they can be messy, complicated, and downright frustrating. So, don’t worry if you are in a love triangle right now, because, with these songs mentioned below, you can let out all your emotions in the form of a good old-fashioned sing-along.
- Same Girl by Usher & R. Kelly
- Ghostin by Ariana Grande
- Beautiful Liar by Beyoncé & Shakira
- Leave Your Lover by Sam Smith
- I Have Nothing by Whitney Houston
- Don’t Cha by The Pussycat Dolls
- One Last Time by Ariana Grande
- Saving All My Love for You by Whitney Houston
- Me and Mrs Jones by Billy Paul
Read More: R&B Missing You Songs – Let These Songs Help You Heal
R&B Songs about Mothers Love
But above all else, there is one type of love that stands out as the purest and unconditional – a mother’s love. It’s a love that can’t be quantified or explained but rather felt in every hug, every kiss, and every sacrifice a mother makes for her child. So, if you’re lucky enough to have a mother who loves you unconditionally, then take a moment to appreciate her and let these songs serve as a reminder of just how special and important she truly is.
- A Song for Mama by Boyz II Men
- Ring Off by Beyoncé
- Mama by the Spice Girls
- Dear Mama by 2Pac
- Mama Said by The Shirelles
- Mother by Ashanti
- I’ll Always Love My Mama by The Intruders
- Hey Mama by Kanye West
- House by KAINA
- Mother Popcorn by James Brown
Read More: R&B Songs That Pay Tribute to Mothers
R&B Songs about Long Distance Love
And then there’s the kind of love that can test even the strongest bonds – long-distance love. It’s a love that requires patience, trust, and a whole lot of communication. But sometimes, even that isn’t enough to ease the ache of missing someone who’s miles away. That’s where these songs come in.
- Long Distance Love by Tamia
- Long Distance by Brandy
- Telefone (Long Distance Love Affair) by Sheena Easton
- Officially Missing You by Tamia
- Distance and Time by Alicia Keys
- Somewhere Out There by James Ingram
- The Distance by Mariah Carey
- Nothing Like Us by Justin Bieber
- You Are Not Alone by Michael Jackson
- Long Distance Call by Nick Cannon
90s R&B Songs about Love
When it comes to 90s R&B songs about love, there’s just something special about them. Maybe it’s the silky smooth vocals or the groovy beats, but they always manage to capture that feeling of falling in love or heartbreak. So, if you need a little reminder of what it was like to be in love back in the day, these tunes are sure to do the trick. Now, turn up the volume and let the good vibes flow.
- I’ll Make Love To You by Boyz II Men
- If I Ever Fall in Love by Shai
- No Ordinary Love by Sade
- You’re Makin’ Me High by Toni Braxton
- Spend My Life With You by Eric Benét
- Forever My Lady by Jodeci
- Nobody’s Supposed to Be Here by Deborah Cox
- On Bended Knee by Boyz II Men
- The Boy Is Mine by Brandy and Monica
- One in a Million by Aaliyah
80s R&B Songs about Love
The 80s was a time before social media and dating apps, when people wrote love letters, made mixtapes, and slow-danced to slow jams. It was a simpler time, but one that was no less passionate or heartfelt than today. And if you want to experience that same feeling of romance and nostalgia, just put on these 80s R&B love songs and let the music take you away.
- How Deep Is Your Love by Keith Sweat
- Sweet Love by Anita Baker
- Tender Love by Force MDs
- No One in the World by Anita Baker
- Still in Love by Jaki Graham
- Say You Love Me Again by Change
- My Love by Stacy Lattisaw
- I Loved You More by Chic
- You Never Know When You’re Gonna Fall in Love by The Isley Brothers
- I Love You Babe by Babyface
R&B Songs About Love Affairs
How can we forget about love affairs? The forbidden, the secret, the scandalous – they all make for some great R&B songs. These tunes are filled with longing, lust, and all the complications that come with affairs. So, if you’ve ever found yourself in a love affair or just want to live vicariously through someone else’s drama, these songs will take you on a wild ride. Trust us.
- My Little Secret by Xscape
- She Don’t Have to Know by John Legend
- Secret Lovers by Atlantic Starr
- Dilemma by Dave Luxe, Kelly Rowland, and Nelly
- Part-Time Lover by Stevie Wonder
- Unfaithful by Rihanna
- I Heard It Through the Grapevine by Marvin Gaye
- Me and Mrs Jones by Billy Paul
- Careless Whisper by George Michael
- Undercover by Kehlani
R&B Songs about Making Love
Now, let’s get to the juicy stuff – R&B songs about making love. These songs are all about the physical act of love-making, but with a little bit of soul. They’re not just about getting it on, but also about the emotional connection and intimacy that comes with it. But just be careful with these ones, because you might just get lost in the moment.
- Let’s Get It On by Marvin Gaye
- Nice & Slow by Usher
- Any Time, Any Place by Janet Jackson
- I’ll Make Love To You by Boyz II Men
- Boo’d Up by Ella Mai
- Sure Thing by Miguel
- Let Me Love You by Mario
- Bed by J. Holiday
- Untitled (How Does It Feel) by D’Angelo
- Body Party by Ciara
R&B Songs about Unrequited Love
Whether it’s the ache of wanting someone who doesn’t want you back or the frustration of being stuck in the friend zone, unrequited love can be a difficult thing to deal with. But sometimes, we must accept for what it is and move on. Because that’s how life works. And these R&B songs about unrequited love can play a small part in doing that.
- Not in That Way by Sam Smith
- Love Stinks
- Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me) by The Temptations
- Damn Good Friends by Elle Varner
- Bleeding Love by Leona Lewis
- Memphis by Justin Bieber
- Bad Religion by Frank Ocean
- Could’ve Been by H.E.R.
- Heartless by Kanye West
Wrapping Up
As you saw above, the best R&B songs about love come in all shapes and sizes. From mother’s love to making love, there’s something for everyone. So, turn up your speakers and let out all of your emotions with these tunes. And remember – never give up on finding that special someone or true love. It’s out there somewhere!
