R&B's Top Songs: Mary J. Blige to Keyshia Cole

Rick James & Tina Marie – Fire & Desire

“Love them and leave them, that’s what I used to do, use them and abuse them, then I laid eyes on you, it was pain before pleasure, that was my claim to fame, with every measure, baby, tasted teardrop stains, yeah.”

There isn’t much more to say about this song because it says it all. Tina Marie is one of those people you would pass by on the street without a second glance. But when she opens her mouth your whole world shakes. Her ridiculously harmonic high notes coupled with Rick’s infallible songwriting skills and equally explosive singing make for the best damn love song ever made.

Mary J. Blige – I’m Going Down

“Time on my hands, Since you been away boy, I ain't got no plans…No no no no, And the sound of the rain, Against my windowpane, Is slowly, is slowly drivin' me insane, boy”

It was labeled as a classic the first time around but Mary J. Blige bought this soulful ode to the broken heart to the younger generation with precision. This is the drug abusing K-Ci loving Mary. Isn’t it ironic how some of the best music comes from artists with some of the worst problems?

Robin Thicke – Lost Without You

“You wanna touch yourself when you see me, Tell me how you love my body, And how I make you feel baby, You wanna roll with me, You wanna to hold with me, You wanna stay warm and get out of the cold with me, I just love to hear you say it, It makes a man feel good baby”

Sexy! Sexy! Sexy! This song is a certified panty dropper. No matter how great a woman's man is, it makes her wish he was this soulful blue-eyed white boy whispering soft sweetness in their ear.

Keyshia Cole – Love

“I used to think that I wasn't fine enough, And I used to think that I wasn't wild enough, But I won't waste my time tryin' to figure, out why you playing games, whats this all about, And I can't believe,Your hurting me I met your girl, what a difference, What you see in her, You aint see in me, But i guess it was all just make-believe”

The ultimate tribute to that thing called love. Keyshia Cole’s people knew exactly what they were doing when they decided to use this track as the R&B singer’s introduction to the world. If one has ever had the privilege of experiencing the pain and joy that is love, Keyshia's unvarnished attempt at a musical articultation of those feelings is obvious.

D’Angelo – How Does It Feel (Untitled)

“Girl it's only U, Have it your way, And if U want U can decide, And if you'll have me, I can provide everything that U desire, Said if U get a feeling…Feeling that I am feeling, Won't U come closer 2 me baby, You've already got me right where U want me baby, I just wanna be your man”

What is better than seeing a 360 degree view of a buff black man wearing nothing but cornrows and glistening beads of sweat? Not much! How does it feel? Damn good!

Dru Hill – Beauty

“Walks by me everyday, Her and love are the same, The women has stolen my heart, And beauty is her name, I'm hoping I can make you mine, For another man steals your heart, And once this beauty is mine, I swear we will never be apart”

For even more must-have R&B songs, read Top R&B Songs from Beyonce to Alicia Keys.

Love

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