30 Best R&B Love Songs That Will Make Your Heart Melt

Starting a family with your significant other often signals a new chapter in love’s book. R&B quartet Jodeci beautifully honors that milestone on this timeless ‘90s track.

Love can be imperfect. Boyz II Men harmoniously pleads for forgiveness and a second chance on this sincere single. With those voices, we’re pretty sure they didn’t beg for long.

A wedding staple, this Stevie Wonder hit describes finding unconditional love that’s as special and bright as a breathtaking rainbow. 

Butterflies in your stomach have nothing on buckling knees. As R&B trio SWV eloquently express in this early ‘90s song, losing control of your body is a testament to serious infatuation. 

Being swept into a whirlwind of love is what hopeless romantics dream of. Grammy-winning artist Anita Baker sings of this blissful moment in time when nothing else matters but you and that special someone.

Reportedly, it only took the writers a few hours to pen this incredibly touching single. Beyoncé’s emotional interpretation and powerful delivery make this song of surrendering to love one that will be in heavy rotation for years to come.

Wanting to spend every waking moment with your significant other is a surefire way to know you’re in love. R&B group Atlantic Starr sings of remaining in that dreamy romantic state forever.

If you want to hint at taking a walk down the aisle, play this song. R&B singers Eric Benét and Tamia belt out their desire to spend their lives with their sweethearts in this quintessential wedding tune.

Snoh Aalegra may be a newcomer to the R&B world, but her captivating tone is reminiscent of some of the genre’s biggest stars. This delightful and semi-nostalgic single off her Ugh, Those Feelings Again album celebrates finding a soulmate and basking in the peaceful energy that it brings.

This old-school track’s message of unwavering commitment is everlasting. London-based funk-disco band Heatwave draws listeners in with deep baritone notes coupled with unexpected yet brilliant falsetto moments throughout.

This late ‘90s ballad is a prom and wedding standard. Brother duo K-Ci and JoJo Hailey’s voices hit all the right notes as they express immense gratitude for finding the love of their lives.

Luther Vandross’ velvety voice is unmistakably pure as he pledges his eternal love on this soul-stirring single. Not only did the 1989 release win over music fans, but it also garnered many accolades including a Grammy Award for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance.

Motown legend Marvin Gaye oozes sex appeal on this titillating track. Unmistakably seductive lyrics like, “I’ve been really trying baby/To hold back this feeling for so long,” cut right to the chase about what’s on his mind.

Babyface is the mastermind behind some of the most memorable ballads of our time. He’s practically created the blueprint for swoon-worthy songs to get you in the mood for love and this Johnny Gill single is no exception. Originally written for R&B group After 7, this incredibly romantic tune set Gill up for a successful solo career outside of popular boy band New Edition. The award-winning ballad was such a hit that it eventually became his signature song. 

Once you’ve found “The One,” you want to be in their presence 24/7. Mary J. Blige’s heartfelt vocals shine on this unforgettable tribute to being head over heels in love. The chart-topping single became an instant classic, even scoring two Grammy Awards in 2006, including Best R&B Song.

Special occasions call for special songs and this masterpiece by musical trio Tony! Toni! Toné! fits the bill. Frontman Raphael Saadiq’s charming lyrics exude a vulnerability and sensibility that are the perfect complement to the mesmerizing instrumentation, notably the lush violin strings played throughout this quintessential anniversary song. What day is more love-filled than the date commemorating your union?

The title of this Percy Sledge track says it all. While the lyrics are straightforward and simple, the message is extraordinarily poignant. It’s true, there’s not much that a smitten person won’t do for the one who’s stolen their heart.

When a person can be your peace, that’s love. Aretha Franklin speaks firsthand about finding a partner who satisfies all her needs and makes her feel sensual and confident on this late ‘60s track. The Queen of Soul’s powerhouse performance cements this song’s place in music history as an all-time great. 

There are songs that just soothe the soul and this chart-topping hit is one of them. Originally written as a country song, this rousing ballad was instantly transformed into an unequivocal R&B track thanks to Gladys Knight’s silky voice. The Georgia native passionately sings of following her heart and going wherever it leads in this song of going the distance for true love.