When it comes to R&B music, 2013 was a great year to be an artist, a spectator, and above all else, a fan. There seemed to be just the right R&B groove for everyone. While the chapter known as 2013 has come to a close, there’s no reason we can’t still rock out to the music from the past year in 2014.
To those who are heading back to work today for a full week, we’ve compiled a Back To Work playlist just for you which features 14 of some of the most memorable records that made you turn up just a bit more.
Check it out below!
“Blurred Lines” – Robin Thicke
“Blurred Lines,” without a doubt, was one of the year’s breakout singles. Still, it was the groovy Marvin Gaye-esque feel-good vibe that kept this song in rotation on the radio and at social gatherings.
“Love More” – Chris Brown
Chris Brown’s “Love More” gave fans of the singer the more charismatic sound that they’d been yearning for some time. If you’re looking for an R&B track with a hip-hop edge that’s full of energy, “Love More” makes the perfect pre-game song or party-starter.
“Drunk In Love” – Beyoncé
Released just at the foot of 2013, Beyoncé’s self-titled album spawned a single so infectiously intoxicating that there is no way you can’t have this on your playlist.
“I Like It” – Sevyn Streeter
Sevyn Street is still in her debut year, but her singles show so much promise for her coming years as an R&B artist. No exception to that statement, “I Like It” is a happy and playful track that will help maintain a lighter mood during the downtime at work.
“I Luv This Sh*t” – August Alsina
August Alsina took the R&B world by storm this year with his hit single “I Luv This Sh*t.” No matter how often we heard it, it just compelled us to continue singing along. Quite simply, lots of us loved this sh*t…even if we didn’t know what it was that we were saying we “luved.”
“Let The Groove Get In” – Justin Timberlake
One of the treasured deeper tracks on Justin Timberlake’s “The 20/20 Experience”, “Let The Groove Get In,” will have you off of your seat and onto the dance floor on this NYE. Forget all the drama of the weekend, listen to JT, and let the groove GET IN!
“Body Party” – Ciara
Ciara’s “Body Party” was one of the most unexpected hits of the year. A perfect follow-up to Justin’s “Let The Groove Get In,” “Body Party’s” soft and dreamy undertones give you a chance to slow things down, gather your thoughts and focus on living in the moment with another. The sampling of Ghost Town DJ’s “My Boo” adds a perfect touch of nostalgia to mark the occasion of holding onto some of the past, albeit with a fresh new perspective for the future.
“Talk Dirty” – Jason Derülo
When there is liquor and late nights involved, dirty talk is always a given. With Jason Derülo’s “Talk Dirty,” you’ll get a funky, refreshing, new sound (that may take some getting used to) and, hopefully, a naughty whisper in your ear.
“Dance Apocalyptic” – Janelle Monáe
Janelle Monáe continues to be one of those artists that are not scared to step outside of, in, or around the box with her unique evolution of R&B music. “Dance Apocalyptic” is fun music with a retro sound that we’ve never heard. For an alternative to the typical R&B vocalist during your celebrations, this is a great go-to. Dance ‘til the end.
“The One”- Tamar Braxton
Tamar Braxton used 2013 as a platform to show that she could be many things other than just Toni Braxton’s sister: an over-the-top reality star, a wife, a mother and a great songstress. Her follow-up to the single “Love & War” samples the Notorious B.I.G.’s “Juicy” (originally Mtume’s “Juicy Fruit”) and serenades us with the certainty of monogamy. Cheers to you and another year with the boo!
“Turnt” – The-Dream
There comes a time when one must get “ratchet.” The-Dream’s “Turnt” is a fun track that allows us all to do so without a song so jarring that its embarrassing. Alongside 2 Chainz and Beyoncé, The-Dream makes “turning up” and being “ratchet” sound so smooth and mellow.
“Live For” – The Weeknd
“Live For” by The Weeknd is a song made about the moments shared with your friends that you’ll never forget. That’s exactly why it makes an excellent addition to this playlist. “Turn up,” once again, and reflect on the special times you had with your circle of friends this year and be thankful for the ones that have remained in that circle for the past 12 months or longer.
“The Way” – Ariana Grande
All comparisons aside, the girl can blow. Ariana Grande’s “The Way” is another light and playful song that kept us humming relentlessly throughout 2013. Equipped with Ariana’s angelic vocals and a sampling of Big Pun’s “Still Not a Player,” this track is definitely a necessity for the night.
“Hold On, We’re Going Home” – Drake
“Hold On, We’re Going Home,” Drake’s smooth mid-tempo groove makes for a perfect nightcap after hours of festive celebration…especially if you’ve had one too many drinks. Easy on the ears and soothing to the mind.
JWilliams is a Contributor for Rated RnB. For more from JWilliams, visit http://jwilliams.TV.
