There was a lot of great R&B music that was released this year. From the real R&B divas to the male heartthrobs, the RatedRnB.com team has the breakdown of the sexiest, most revealing, and top R&B songs of the year 2014.
Here are the best R&B songs of 2014, in no particular order.
The Divas
Teyana Taylor feat. Chris Brown – “Do Not Disturb”
Teyana Taylor finally gave the world her debut album VII this year. The LP is jam-packed with perfect R&B grooves, including “Do Not Disturb.” With Brown’s assistance, she easily transitions from teen R&B phenomenon to sexy singing sensation on this song.
Tiffany Evans – “Baby Don’t Go”
Welcome to the diva club, Tiffany Evans. On “Baby Don’t Go” the singer is tackling grown-up relationship woes, a stark contrast from her “Promise Ring” days. Her soaring vocals make this a must-listen track going into the new year and certainly is one of the best of this year.
Jennifer Hudson- “Dangerous”
Taking a risk was the name of the game in 2014 and Jennifer Hudson certainly took a chance with her new sound and album. “Dangerous” is an amazing new sound and certainly shows Hudson’s growth on this track. Thanks for taking us to the dance floor JHud, while still giving us soul.
Keyshia Cole – “She”
“She” was produced by the hitmaker of the year DJ Mustard and it reminded us we love Keyshia for her hot urban bangers. It’s a sexy and provocative track, from the usually heartbroken singer.
The Heartthrobs
Tank – “Stronger”
“Stronger” is an epic song about finding strength from finding love. It’s one of Tank’s best records and gives us a refreshing sound from the singer. As usual, Tank rises to the occasion vocally but you can’t help but feel a spiritual message in the track. Kudos to Tank for taking us all the way from the starting point to the finish line on this song.
Luke James Feat. Rick Ross – “Options”
Luke James slid into our playlists this year with his amazing self-titled album. On “Options” he keeps it gangster and soulful while asking for his lover back.
Pharrell Williams – “Lost Queen”
Pharrell Williams has arguably had his best year ever. Beyond the hit singles, he threw our way he created a solid album. “Lost Queen” is one of the underrated songs on G I R L. The second half of the record is an amazing journey into an R&B oasis, just listen to it if you don’t believe it.
Trey Songz – “What’s Best For You”
With no shortage of hits this year Trey Songz reinforced his spot among the R&B elite. “What’s Best for You,” from his number one album Trigga, makes our list because it relies on the singer’s vocals and displays the best attributes of Tremaine. While you can appreciate the crooner’s club records, it’s this one that takes the cake as his best of the year.
The Revealing Records
Beyoncé – “Ring Off”
Beyoncé got very real about the trouble in her mother and father’s divorce. The star, who’s usually very private, gave us the special gem on the Platinum Edition of her self-titled visual album that shocked the world last year. It’s a special track with breezy island influences that even samples one of her fan favorites “Love on Top.”Give it up to Queen Bey for continuing to open up to her fans through her music.
Toni Braxton – “I Wish”
Toni Braxton and Babyface’s duet album Love, Marriage, & Divorce was a special treat for fans as the two opened up about their respective love lives. Braxton doesn’t hold back on her ex-lover on “I Wish” and it sounds like a gorgeous record, although the lyrics bite. It’s a very striking track from the R&B legend.
Mary J. Blige – “Therapy”
Everyone loves a good comeback and Mary J. Blige certainly knows how to make one gracefully. The Queen of Hip Hop Soul utilized newcomers like Sam Smith to help her discover a new sound for her critically acclaimed album The London Sessions. The album’s lead single “Therapy” is one of her most honest to date exploring themes of mental health and healing.
The Chart Toppers
Chris Brown Feat. Usher & Rick Ross – “New Flame”
When two R&B superstars unite, it’s bound to be great — and “New Flame” didn’t disappoint. The song blazed the charts and allowed us the chance to see Chris Brown and Usher dance together in the music video. This track is one of the standouts on X and the song brought out the best vocally from these two R&B giants.
Tinashe feat. SchoolBoy Q- “2 On”
In a world where it’s hard to break through as a new artist, especially as an R&B singer, Tinashe splashed on the scene with “2 On.” The silky R&B dance track rocked the airwaves and certainly kept us singing along. The smooth vocals and hot beat (thank you DJ Mustard again) combined to create one ultra hot track.
Usher – “Good Kisser”
The R&B legend ruled the charts this year with this record, and rightfully so. “Good Kisser” brought Usher back into familiar territory of traditional R&B. Live instruments were almost becoming extinct on radio, but Usher saved the day like the true superhero he is by including them on this record. The vibrant track is so good that we almost forgive him for leaving us waiting for his delayed album.
Michael Howard is a contributor for RatedRnB.com — Follow him on Twitter at @MichaelHowardTV