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In the world of music, not so many genres possess the power to capture the complexities of love quite like R&B. From soul-stirring ballads to heartwarming melodies, this article highlights a list of some of the greatest love songs ever sung – according to AI.
Music is the universal language of the soul as it possesses the extraordinary ability to convey emotions, transcend boundaries, and create connections that words alone could never achieve.
This explains why a few minutes into listening to a certain song, your eyes tear up, a knot tightens – or loosens – in your chest, and the flurry in the pit of your stomach heightens.
This is common with songs that speak to our innate desires as human beings – be it the feeling of anger, pain, or the need to love and be loved.
Music for the soul: The power of R&B love songs
R&B love songs possess the power to make you feel things you didn’t know existed inside you. This genre has been a cornerstone of musical expression for decades, resonating deeply with audiences around the world.
Emerging in the 80s and continuing to captivate hearts well into the present day, these melodies have withstood the test of time, becoming anthems of affection, passion, and longing.
Steered by the soulful voices and heartfelt compositions of black artists, R&B love songs are more than just tunes – they are windows into the spectrum of human emotions.
Being in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI), I recently asked Chat GPT what it thought were the greatest R&B songs (by black artists) of all times and the result was quite interesting!
Check out 10 greatest R&B love songs according to AI:
1. Whitney Houston – I Will Always Love You (1992)
This remains one of the best covers in the history of music as Whitney Houston did not only give a new meaning to the song which has become one of the greatest love songs despite not being an original.
The song originally written by Country music legend, Dolly Parton in 1973, gained
Quoted in a Smooth Radio article, Dolly has this to say about Houston’s cover:
“The way she took that simple song of mine and made it such a mighty thing, it almost became her song.”
2. Luther Vandross – Here and Now (1989)
This is another song that music lovers of the 80s grooved to. The song gained massive radio airplay and became Luther Vandross’ first single to chart in the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100.
“One look in your eyes and there I see
Just what you mean to me
Here in my heart I believe
Your love is all I’ll ever need..”
I have no doubt this song was used to woo a lot of the ladies back in the day!
3. Anita Baker – Sweet Love (1986)
This great song by Anita Baker is a beautiful ballad that expresses unconditional love and true devotion.
Released as part of her second studio album, Sweet Love was Baker’s first big hit single, peaking at number two on the US Billboard R&B chart.
This goes to show just how powerful the lyrics contained in the song are.
4. Boyz II Men – End of the Road (1992)
This song which was released as a soundtrack for the movie, Boomerang, spent a then record-breaking 13 weeks at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100.
However, this record was broken by Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You later in the year.
End of the Road won two Grammy Awards in 1993.
5. Stevie Wonder – Ribbon in the Sky (1982)
Included in Essence’s list of the “25 Best Slow Jams of All Time” in 2009, Ribbon in the Sky is that love song that will have you feeling giddy!
This song talks about the protagonist praying for a special day when he can share it with his partner and hopes that a star will guide her on her way.
6. Sade – No Ordinary Love (1992)
This is no…ordinary song and it is not hard to see why!
Sade’s voice is unique and possesses a swoon-worthy power that will leave you daydreaming and No Ordinary Love delivers this magic effortlessly.
The song enjoyed massive success in the UK and across Europe. It later won a Grammy in 1993.
7. Babyface – Every Time I Close My Eyes (1996)
Released as the second single from his fourth album, Babyface’s Every Time I Close My Eyes enjoyed commercial and critical success.
The song debuted at number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100 and rose to its peak at number six seven weeks later, spending 26 weeks in the chart.
8. Mary J. Blige – Be Without You (2005)
The rent must have been due when J. Blige wrote this song because she poured her heart out in this evergreen jam!
Be Without You popped out of her 2005 seventh studio album, The Breakthrough, and it became a love anthem.
In 2007, the song earned her an award for Best R&B Vocal Performance.
9. Janet Jackson – That’s the Way Love Goes (1993)
This Janet Jackson bop is considered one of the longest-reigning hits of 1993 and also one of Jackson’s biggest hits in the United States.
The song’s fusion of R&B, pop and funk made it an instant hit, one widely celebrated and tagged iconic.
10. Brian McKnight – Back at One (1999)
“One, you’re like a dream come true
Two, just wanna be with you…”
This song is unarguably one of the best love songs of the 1990s to date!
Despite getting inspiration for the song while assembling an entertainment system, this Ballard speaks to the soul in so many beautiful languages that the body cannot help but move to the rhythm once this song comes on!
Well, there you have it, folks. If you’re in need of a new playlist to serenade your significant other, or that man/woman you have a crush on, try sending a message through these songs!
Love Letters: Relationship Coach Says “It Shows Dedication”
Earlier on, The Love Central took a deep dive into the art of handwritten love letters and their significance in fostering emotional bonds in romantic relationships.
In honour of World Caligraphy Day celebrated on Wednesday, August 9, we recently spoke with a relationship coach, Ladies Triangle, to share thoughts on the value of love letters in relationships.
