The 1980s was a decade of great change and experimentation in the world of R&B music. The rise of digital technology and new production techniques helped to create a rich and diverse musical landscape, with artists pushing the boundaries of sound and style to create some of the most iconic and influential songs of the era. From the smooth and soulful ballads of Luther Vandross and Anita Baker, to the high-energy dance tracks of Michael Jackson and Prince, the 1980s was a golden age for R&B music. In this list, we will take a closer look at the top 20 best R&B songs of the 1980s, celebrating the songs that defined the sound of the decade and continue to captivate audiences with their timeless appeal. Whether you’re a longtime fan of R&B or new to the genre, these songs are sure to leave a lasting impression, showcasing the power, emotion, and creativity that defines the very best of R&B music. So sit back, relax, and let’s take a trip down memory lane, exploring the very best that R&B had to offer in the 1980s.
1. Sign “O” the Times- Prince
“Sign “O” the Times” is a powerful and politically charged song by the late artist Prince, released in 1987. The song addresses a range of social issues affecting society at the time, such as drug addiction, poverty, and the AIDS epidemic. The lyrics are filled with vivid imagery and wordplay, as Prince’s vocals blend with a mesmerizing blend of funk, rock, and soul. The song’s title references the pervasive feeling of uncertainty and anxiety that existed in the world at the time, with Prince painting a bleak yet hopeful picture of a society in need of change. Overall, “Sign “O” the Times” remains a timeless masterpiece that showcases Prince’s unparalleled musical and lyrical genius.
2. Never Too Much- Luther Vandross
“Never Too Much” is a classic R&B and funk song by the late singer Luther Vandross, released in 1981. The track features a lively and upbeat tempo, with Vandross’s smooth and soulful vocals perfectly complementing the infectious groove of the music. The lyrics are all about celebrating love and the joy it brings, with Vandross declaring that he can never get enough of his partner’s affection. The song became an instant hit, peaking at number one on the R&B charts and cementing Vandross’s status as one of the most beloved and influential R&B singers of all time. “Never Too Much” remains a timeless anthem of love and devotion to this day.
3.Thriller- Michael Jackson
“Thriller” is a legendary pop and funk song by the late Michael Jackson, released in 1984. The track features a signature bass line, catchy hooks, and Jackson’s iconic vocals and dance moves. The song’s music video is equally iconic, featuring a horror movie-inspired storyline and a choreographed dance sequence that has become one of the most recognizable in pop culture history. “Thriller” marked a major turning point in Jackson’s career, solidifying his status as the “King of Pop” and helping to establish him as a cultural icon. The song remains a classic and beloved staple of pop music, and its influence can be felt in countless works of music, film, and art to this day.
4.Human Nature- Michael Jackson
“Human Nature” is a soulful and introspective ballad by the late Michael Jackson, released in 1982. The track features a smooth and atmospheric sound, with a memorable opening synth riff and Jackson’s iconic vocal range. The lyrics speak to themes of isolation and introspection, with Jackson musing on the complexities of human emotion and the struggle to connect with others. The song’s understated sound and reflective lyrics marked a departure from Jackson’s more bombastic pop hits of the time, showcasing his versatility as an artist and cementing his reputation as one of the most gifted vocalists and songwriters of his generation. “Human Nature” remains a classic and beloved ballad to this day.
5. Make It Last Forever- Keith Sweat
“Make It Last Forever” is a romantic and seductive R&B ballad by Keith Sweat, released in 1987. The track features Sweat’s smooth and soulful vocals, complemented by a slow and sultry instrumental backdrop. The lyrics speak to themes of passion and commitment, with Sweat pledging to make his love last forever and to cherish every moment with his partner. The song’s slow and sensual sound became an instant hit, cementing Sweat’s status as one of the most influential R&B artists of the late 1980s. “Make It Last Forever” remains a classic and beloved love song, capturing the essence of romance and devotion in a way that few other songs can.
6.Don’t Be Cruel- Bobby Brown
“Don’t Be Cruel” is an upbeat and funky R&B song by Bobby Brown, released in 1988. The track features a high-energy sound, with a catchy bass line and Brown’s signature smooth and soulful vocals. The lyrics speak to themes of love and commitment, with Brown urging his partner to treat him right and not be cruel with their affections. The song’s catchy hooks and infectious beat made it an instant hit, cementing Brown’s status as one of the most influential R&B artists of the late 1980s. “Don’t Be Cruel” remains a classic and beloved dance track to this day, capturing the spirit of 80s R&B and pop music with style and flair.
7. Diamond Life- Sade
“Diamond Life” is the title track and the opening song from Sade’s debut album of the same name, released in 1984. The track features a smooth and soulful sound, with Sade’s lush vocals and jazzy instrumentation setting the tone for the album. The lyrics speak to themes of luxury, glamour, and the pursuit of a better life, with Sade singing about the desire for a “diamond life” and the rewards that come with success. The song’s mellow and sophisticated sound helped to establish Sade as one of the most talented and distinct voices in pop music, and the album remains a beloved classic to this day.
8.Caught in the Rapture- Anita Baker
“Caught in the Rapture” is a soulful and romantic R&B ballad by Anita Baker, released in 1986. The track features Baker’s signature smooth and velvety vocals, complemented by a lush and dreamy instrumental arrangement. The lyrics speak to themes of love and passion, with Baker singing about the overwhelming feeling of being “caught in the rapture” of her partner’s affection. The song’s slow and sensual sound became an instant hit, cementing Baker’s status as one of the most talented and influential R&B singers of the 1980s. “Caught in the Rapture” remains a beloved and timeless ballad to this day, capturing the essence of love and desire with soulful grace.
9. Too-Rye-Ay- Dexys Midnight Runners
“Too-Rye-Ay” is an energetic and infectious album by Dexys Midnight Runners, released in 1982. The album’s title track features a lively and upbeat sound, with a distinctive fiddle riff and lead singer Kevin Rowland’s passionate and soulful vocals. The lyrics speak to themes of Irish pride and identity, with the song’s title referencing the Irish phrase “tú rí á,” meaning “you are king.” The track became an instant hit, showcasing the band’s unique blend of punk, soul, and Celtic folk influences. “Too-Rye-Ay” remains a classic and influential album of the 1980s, representing a bold and exciting fusion of different musical styles and cultures.
10. Control- Janet Jackson
“Control” is an iconic and empowering dance-pop song by Janet Jackson, released in 1986. The track features a punchy and dynamic sound, with a memorable synth riff and Jackson’s confident and assertive vocals. The lyrics speak to themes of self-empowerment and breaking free from oppressive or controlling influences, with Jackson declaring her independence and asserting her own agency. The song’s infectious hooks and high-energy sound made it an instant hit, helping to establish Jackson as a major force in the pop music world. “Control” remains a classic and influential song, inspiring generations of fans with its message of self-determination and liberation.
11.Private Dancer-Tina Turner
“Private Dancer” is a soulful and seductive song by Tina Turner, released in 1984. The track features Turner’s signature powerful and raspy vocals, complemented by a slow and sultry instrumental backdrop. The lyrics speak to themes of intimacy, secrecy, and the cost of a life spent in the shadows, with Turner singing about the challenges of working as a private dancer in order to survive. The song’s emotional depth and Turner’s stunning vocal performance helped to establish her as one of the most talented and influential singers of the 1980s. “Private Dancer” remains a beloved and timeless classic, capturing the essence of heartbreak and longing with soulful grace.
12. I Feel For You- Chaka Khan
“I Feel for You” is a funky and soulful dance-pop song by Chaka Khan, released in 1984. The track features a distinctive and catchy intro, with a synthesizer riff that became an instant hit. Khan’s powerful and soulful vocals add to the track’s irresistible energy, with the lyrics speaking to themes of love and attraction. The song also features a memorable rap by Melle Mel, adding to the track’s influence on the emerging hip hop scene. “I Feel for You” remains a beloved and timeless classic, showcasing Khan’s immense talent as a singer and helping to establish her as a major force in the pop music world.
13.On The Nile- The Egyptian Lover
“On the Nile” is a classic electro-funk track by The Egyptian Lover, released in 1984. The track features a driving and infectious beat, with a hypnotic synth riff and The Egyptian Lover’s distinctive and playful vocals. The lyrics speak to themes of exoticism and adventure, with the song’s title referencing the iconic Egyptian river. The track’s sound, blending elements of funk, hip hop, and electronic music, helped to establish The Egyptian Lover as one of the pioneers of the electro genre. “On the Nile” remains a beloved and influential track, representing a vibrant and exciting moment in the history of electronic music.
14. Success-The Weather Girls
“Success” is a lively and uplifting dance-pop song by The Weather Girls, released in 1983. The track features the duo’s powerful and soulful vocals, backed by a funky and energetic instrumental arrangement. The lyrics speak to themes of ambition, perseverance, and the rewards of hard work, with the song’s upbeat sound providing an empowering and motivational message. The track became a hit on the dance floors and in the charts, cementing The Weather Girls’ status as one of the most dynamic and talented pop acts of the 1980s. “Success” remains a beloved and timeless classic, celebrating the joy of hard-earned victories with infectious energy.
15.Back In The High Life-Steve Winwood
“Back in the High Life” is a soulful and uplifting pop-rock song by Steve Winwood, released in 1986. The track features Winwood’s rich and emotive vocals, accompanied by a dynamic and catchy instrumental arrangement that blends elements of rock, pop, and R&B. The lyrics speak to themes of renewal, hope, and the possibility of a brighter future, with Winwood singing about finding a way to rise above life’s challenges and rediscover the joy of living. The song’s joyful and upbeat sound, combined with its uplifting message, helped to make it a chart-topping hit and a beloved classic of the 1980s.
16.Hearsay- Alexander O’Neal
“Hearsay” is a smooth and soulful R&B song by Alexander O’Neal, released in 1987. The track features O’Neal’s signature silky-smooth vocals, set against a lush and elegant instrumental backdrop. The lyrics speak to themes of love, desire, and the complexities of human relationships, with O’Neal’s emotive performance capturing the passion and intensity of these emotions. The song’s sleek and sophisticated sound, blending elements of soul, funk, and pop, helped to establish O’Neal as one of the most talented and influential R&B singers of the 1980s. “Hearsay” remains a beloved and timeless classic, representing a pinnacle of 1980s R&B music.
17.Tell It to My Heart-Taylor Dayne
“Tell It to My Heart” is a high-energy and catchy dance-pop song by Taylor Dayne, released in 1987. The track features Dayne’s powerful and soulful vocals, set against a vibrant and pulsating instrumental arrangement. The lyrics speak to themes of passion and desire, with Dayne singing about the intensity of her emotions and the need for her lover to communicate their feelings honestly. The song’s infectious and upbeat sound, blending elements of pop, dance, and R&B, helped to make it a chart-topping hit and a beloved classic of the 1980s. “Tell It to My Heart” remains a timeless and energetic dance anthem, celebrated for its irresistible hook and Dayne’s dynamic vocal performance.
18.The Wanderer- Donna Summer
“The Wanderer” is an upbeat and lively dance-pop song by Donna Summer, released in 1980. The track features Summer’s powerful and dynamic vocals, backed by a driving and energetic instrumental arrangement that blends elements of rock and disco. The lyrics speak to themes of freedom, independence, and adventure, with Summer singing about the joys of wandering and exploring the world. The song’s infectious and catchy sound, combined with Summer’s bold and expressive performance, helped to make it a chart-topping hit and a beloved classic of the 1980s. “The Wanderer” remains a beloved and energetic dance anthem, celebrating the thrill of living life on one’s own terms.
19.Picture Book- Simply Red
“Picture Book” is a mellow and soulful pop song by Simply Red, released in 1985. The track features lead singer Mick Hucknall’s smooth and emotive vocals, set against a lush and dreamy instrumental backdrop. The lyrics speak to themes of nostalgia and memory, with Hucknall singing about the power of photographs to capture moments in time and preserve memories of the past. The song’s elegant and sophisticated sound, blending elements of pop, soul, and jazz, helped to establish Simply Red as one of the most talented and unique bands of the 1980s. “Picture Book” remains a beloved and timeless classic, celebrated for its graceful and introspective tone.
20.In my time- Teddy Pendergrass
“In My Time” is a powerful and soulful ballad by Teddy Pendergrass, released in 1988. The track features Pendergrass’s rich and emotive vocals, set against a sweeping and majestic instrumental arrangement that includes lush strings and soaring horns. The lyrics speak to themes of reflection, contemplation, and self-discovery, with Pendergrass singing about the journey of his life and the lessons he has learned along the way. The song’s lush and evocative sound, blending elements of R&B, soul, and pop, helped to cement Pendergrass’s legacy as one of the most talented and influential singers of his generation. “In My Time” remains a beloved and timeless classic, celebrated for its soul-stirring power and Pendergrass’s masterful vocal performance.
Simon Robinson is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
