100 great 80s R&B songs

[List598591] | +59

Beyond Prince and Michael Jackson, the 80s are massively underappreciated decade for R&B music despite being highly influential on the state of popular music today. Here are some songs, both well-known and obscure, that demonstrate the decade's greatness.

This playlist (minus a few songs that aren't on the service) is also available on Spotify

See also RYM Ultimate Box Set > 80's R&B for more great R&B from that decade.

	After 7 After 7 (1989) "Can't Stop" spoiler: click to read
"Can't Stop" spoiler: click to read
	Al B. Sure! Nite and Day / Nuit et jour (1988) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Atlantic Starr Circles / Does It Matter (1982) [Single] "Circles" spoiler: click to read
"Circles" spoiler: click to read
	Babyface I Love You Babe (1987) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Anita Baker Sweet Love (1990) [EP] "Sweet Love" spoiler: click to read
"Sweet Love" spoiler: click to read
	Jocelyn Brown Somebody Else's Guy (1984) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Tom Browne Funkin' for Jamaica / Her Silent Smile (1980) [Single] "Funkin' for Jamaica" spoiler: click to read
"Funkin' for Jamaica" spoiler: click to read
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	Chuckii Booker Turned Away / Keep Your Guard Up (1989) [Single] "Turned Away" spoiler: click to read
"Turned Away" spoiler: click to read
	The Boys Lucky Charm (1988) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	The B.B. and Q. Band On the Beat / Don't Say Goodbye (1981) [Single] "On the Beat" spoiler: click to read
"On the Beat" spoiler: click to read
	Bobby Brown Don't Be Cruel (1988) "I Really Love You Girl" spoiler: click to read
"I Really Love You Girl" spoiler: click to read
	Keni Burke Risin' to the Top / Hang Tight (1982) [Single] "Risin' to the Top" spoiler: click to read
"Risin' to the Top" spoiler: click to read
	Donald Byrd Love Has Come Around / Love for Sale (1981) [Single] "Love Has Come Around" spoiler: click to read
"Love Has Come Around" spoiler: click to read
	Cameo Alligator Woman / Soul Army (1982) [Single] "Alligator Woman" spoiler: click to read
"Alligator Woman" spoiler: click to read
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	Central Line Walking Into Sunshine / That's No Way to Treat My Love (1981) [Single] "Walking Into Sunshine" spoiler: click to read
"Walking Into Sunshine" spoiler: click to read
	Cherrelle I Didn't Mean to Turn You On / I Need You Now (1984) [Single] "I Didn't Mean to Turn You On" spoiler: click to read
"I Didn't Mean to Turn You On" spoiler: click to read
	Chic Soup for One / Burn Hard (1982) [Single] "Soup for One" spoiler: click to read
"Soup for One" spoiler: click to read
	George Clinton Quickie (1983) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	The Cool Notes I Wanna Dance (1984) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Morris Day The Oak Tree (1985) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	DeBarge I Like It / Hesitated (1982) [Single] "I Like It" spoiler: click to read
"I Like It" spoiler: click to read
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	The Deele Body Talk (1984) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	D Train You're the One for Me (1982) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	The Family The Screams of Passion (1985) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Force M.D.'s Tender Love (1985) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Aretha Franklin Who's Zoomin' Who / Sweet Bitter Love (1985) [Single] "Who's Zoomin' Who" spoiler: click to read
"Who's Zoomin' Who" spoiler: click to read
	Freeez Southern Freeez (1981) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	The Gap Band Outstanding / The Boys are Back in Town (1982) [Single] "Outstanding" spoiler: click to read
"Outstanding" spoiler: click to read
	Guy Teddy's Jam / Teddy's Jazz (1988) [Single] "Teddy's Jam" spoiler: click to read
"Teddy's Jam" spoiler: click to read
	Leon Haywood Don't Push It Don't Force It / Who You Been Giving It Up To? (1980) [Single] "Don't Push It Don't Force It" spoiler: click to read
"Don't Push It Don't Force It" spoiler: click to read
	Haywoode Roses / Tease Me (1985) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	High Fashion Feelin' Lucky Lately / Brainy Children (1982) [Single] "Feelin' Lucky Lately" spoiler: click to read
"Feelin' Lucky Lately" spoiler: click to read
	Imagination Music and Lights (1982) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Indeep Last Night a D.J. Saved My Life / D.J. Delight (1982) [Single] "Last Night a D.J. Saved My Life" spoiler: click to readYouTube CgGiCKbud5I]
"Last Night a D.J. Saved My Life" spoiler: click to readYouTube CgGiCKbud5I]
	The Isley Brothers Don't Say Goodnight (It's Time for Love) (Parts 1 & 2) / Don't Say Goodnight (It's Time for Love) (Instrumental) (1980) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Freddie Jackson Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake) (1985) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Janet Jackson Control (1986) "He Doesn't Know I'm Alive" spoiler: click to read
"He Doesn't Know I'm Alive" spoiler: click to read
	La Toya Jackson Night Time Lover (1980) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	The Jacksons Heartbreak Hotel / Things I Do for You (1980) [Single] "Heartbreak Hotel" spoiler: click to read
"Heartbreak Hotel" spoiler: click to read
	Rick James She Blew My Mind (69 Times) (1982) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Quincy Jones The Dude (1981) "Turn on the Action (feat. Patti Austin)" spoiler: click to read
"Turn on the Action (feat. Patti Austin)" spoiler: click to read
	The Jones Girls Nights Over Egypt / Love Don't Ever Say Goodbye (1981) [Single] "Nights Over Egypt" spoiler: click to read
"Nights Over Egypt" spoiler: click to read
	Julia and Company Breakin' Down (Sugar Samba) (1984) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	The Junkyard Band The Word / Sardines (1986) [Single] "Sardines" spoiler: click to read
"Sardines" spoiler: click to read
	Kool & The Gang Straight Ahead / Hi De Ho, Hi De Ho (1983) [Single] "Straight Ahead" spoiler: click to read
"Straight Ahead" spoiler: click to read
	Lakeside Outrageous / So Let's Love (1984) [Single] "Outrageous" spoiler: click to read
"Outrageous" spoiler: click to read
	LeVert Casanova / Throwdown (1987) [Single] "Casanova" spoiler: click to read
"Casanova" spoiler: click to read
	Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam Head to Toe / You'll Never Change (1987) [Single] "Head to Toe" spoiler: click to read
"Head to Toe" spoiler: click to read
	Cheryl Lynn Encore / Free (1983) [Single] "Encore" spoiler: click to read/spoiler]
"Encore" spoiler: click to read/spoiler]
	Mantronix Got to Have Your Love (1989) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Teena Marie It Must Be Magic / Yes Indeed (1981) [Single] "It Must Be Magic" spoiler: click to read
"It Must Be Magic" spoiler: click to read
	Mary Jane Girls All Night Long / Musical Love (1983) [Single] "All Night Long" spoiler: click to read
"All Night Long" spoiler: click to read
	Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly Before I Let Go / Joy & Pain (1981) [Single] "Before I Let Go" spoiler: click to read
"Before I Let Go" spoiler: click to read
	Michel'le No More Lies (1989) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Midnight Star Midas Touch (1986) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Stephanie Mills Never Knew Love Like This Before / Still Mine (1980) [Single] "Never Know Love Like This Before" spoiler: click to read
"Never Know Love Like This Before" spoiler: click to read
	Meli'sa Morgan Fool's Paradise / Getting to Know You Better (1986) [Single] "Fool's Paradise" spoiler: click to read
"Fool's Paradise" spoiler: click to read
	Walter "Junie" Morrison Tease Me (1984) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	New Edition Heart Break (1988) "Boys to Men" spoiler: click to read
"Boys to Men" spoiler: click to read
	Alexander O'Neal (What Can I Say) To Make You Love Me / A Broken Heart Can Mend (1988) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	One Way Featuring Al Hudson Pop It / I'm in Love With Lovin' You (1980) [Single] "Pop It" spoiler: click to read
"Pop It" spoiler: click to read
	William Onyeabor Anything You Sow (1985) "Everyday" spoiler: click to read
"Everyday" spoiler: click to read
	Teddy Pendergrass Love T.K.O. / I Just Called to Say (1980) [Single] "Love T.K.O." spoiler: click to read
"Love T.K.O." spoiler: click to read
	Prince Sign "☮︎" the Times / La, La, La, He, He, Hee (1987) [Single] "La, La, La, He, He, Hee"
"La, La, La, He, He, Hee"
	Raw Silk Just in Time / Just in Time and Space (Dub Mix) (1983) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Ready for the World Love You Down / Human Toy (1986) [Single] "Love You Down" spoiler: click to read
"Love You Down" spoiler: click to read
	René & Angela I'll Be Good (1985) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Roger So Ruff, So Tuff (1984) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Brenda Russell Piano in the Dark / This Time I Need You (1988) [Single] "Piano in the Dark" spoiler: click to read
"Piano in the Dark" spoiler: click to read
	Sade Promise (1985) "Is It a Crime" spoiler: click to read
"Is It a Crime" spoiler: click to read
	Sheila E. The Belle of St. Mark / Too Sexy (1984) [Single] "The Belle of St. Mark" spoiler: click to read
"The Belle of St. Mark" spoiler: click to read
	Skyy Call Me / When You Touch Me (1981) [Single] "Call Me" spoiler: click to read
"Call Me" spoiler: click to read
	Slave Watching You (1980) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	S.O.S. Band No One's Gonna Love You / I Don't Want Nobody Else (1984) [Single] "No One's Gonna Love You" spoiler: click to read
"No One's Gonna Love You" spoiler: click to read
	Soul II Soul Keep On Movin' (1989) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes Get Your Body on the Job / Slow Burn (1983) [Single] "Get Your Body on the Job" spoiler: click to read
"Get Your Body on the Job" spoiler: click to read
	Sylvia Striplin Give Me Your Love / You Can't Turn Me Away (1980) [Single] "You Can't Turn Me Away" spoiler: click to read
"You Can't Turn Me Away" spoiler: click to read
	Surface Falling in Love (1983) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Keith Sweat Make It Last Forever (1987) "How Deep Is Your Love" spoiler: click to read
"How Deep Is Your Love" spoiler: click to read
	The System Don't Disturb This Groove / Modern Girl (1987) [Single] "Don't Disturb This Groove" spoiler: click to read
"Don't Disturb This Groove" spoiler: click to read
	The Temptations Standing on the Top (Part 1) / Standing on the Top (Part 2) (1982) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	The Three Degrees The Heaven I Need / Gimme, Gimme, Gimme (1985) [Single] "The Heaven I Need" spoiler: click to read
"The Heaven I Need" spoiler: click to read
	The Time 777-9311 / Grace (1982) [Single] "777-9311" spoiler: click to read
"777-9311" spoiler: click to read
	Timex Social Club Rumors (1986) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Today Him or Me (1988) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Tony Toni Toné Little Walter (1988) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Total Contrast Takes a Little Time (1985) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Troop Attitude (1989) "All I Do Is Think of You" spoiler: click to read
"All I Do Is Think of You" spoiler: click to read
	Trouble Funk "Let's Get Small" spoiler: click to read
"Let's Get Small" spoiler: click to read
	Luther Vandross Sugar & Spice (I Found Me a Girl) / Don't You Know That (1981) [Single] "Sugar & Spice (I Found Me a Girl)" spoiler: click to read
"Sugar & Spice (I Found Me a Girl)" spoiler: click to read
	Vanity 6 Drive Me Wild / Bite the Beat (1982) [Single] "Drive Me Wild" spoiler: click to read
"Drive Me Wild" spoiler: click to read
	Leon Ware Why I Came to California / Can I Touch You There (1982) [Single] "Why I Came to California" spoiler: click to read
"Why I Came to California" spoiler: click to read
	Jody Watley & Eric B. & Rakim Friends / Private Life (1989) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Deniece Williams Silly / My Melody (1981) [Single] "Silly" spoiler: click to read
"Silly" spoiler: click to read
	Vanessa Williams The Right Stuff (1988) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	The Whispers Rock Steady / Are You Going My Way (1987) [Single] "Rock Steady" spoiler: click to read
"Rock Steady" spoiler: click to read
	Karyn White The Way You Love Me (1988) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Womack & Womack Baby I'm Scared of You (1983) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Val Young Seduction (1985) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
	Zapp Computer Love (1985) [Single] spoiler: click to read
spoiler: click to read
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100 great 80s R&B songs

After 7 (1989)

Nite and Day / Nuit et jour (1988) [Single]

Circles / Does It Matter (1982) [Single]

I Love You Babe (1987) [Single]

Sweet Love (1990) [EP]

Somebody Else's Guy (1984) [Single]

Funkin' for Jamaica / Her Silent Smile (1980) [Single]

Turned Away / Keep Your Guard Up (1989) [Single]

Lucky Charm (1988) [Single]

On the Beat / Don't Say Goodbye (1981) [Single]

Don't Be Cruel (1988)

Risin' to the Top / Hang Tight (1982) [Single]

Love Has Come Around / Love for Sale (1981) [Single]

Alligator Woman / Soul Army (1982) [Single]

Walking Into Sunshine / That's No Way to Treat My Love (1981) [Single]

I Didn't Mean to Turn You On / I Need You Now (1984) [Single]

Soup for One / Burn Hard (1982) [Single]

Quickie (1983) [Single]

I Wanna Dance (1984) [Single]

The Oak Tree (1985) [Single]

I Like It / Hesitated (1982) [Single]

Body Talk (1984) [Single]

You're the One for Me (1982) [Single]

The Screams of Passion (1985) [Single]

Tender Love (1985) [Single]

Who's Zoomin' Who / Sweet Bitter Love (1985) [Single]

Southern Freeez (1981) [Single]

Outstanding / The Boys are Back in Town (1982) [Single]

Teddy's Jam / Teddy's Jazz (1988) [Single]

Don't Push It Don't Force It / Who You Been Giving It Up To? (1980) [Single]

Roses / Tease Me (1985) [Single]

Feelin' Lucky Lately / Brainy Children (1982) [Single]

Music and Lights (1982) [Single]

Last Night a D.J. Saved My Life / D.J. Delight (1982) [Single]

Don't Say Goodnight (It's Time for Love) (Parts 1 & 2) / Don't Say Goodnight (It's Time for Love) (Instrumental) (1980) [Single]

Rock Me Tonight (For Old Times Sake) (1985) [Single]

Control (1986)

Night Time Lover (1980) [Single]

Heartbreak Hotel / Things I Do for You (1980) [Single]

She Blew My Mind (69 Times) (1982) [Single]

The Dude (1981)

Nights Over Egypt / Love Don't Ever Say Goodbye (1981) [Single]

Breakin' Down (Sugar Samba) (1984) [Single]

The Word / Sardines (1986) [Single]

Straight Ahead / Hi De Ho, Hi De Ho (1983) [Single]

Outrageous / So Let's Love (1984) [Single]

Casanova / Throwdown (1987) [Single]

Head to Toe / You'll Never Change (1987) [Single]

Encore / Free (1983) [Single]

Got to Have Your Love (1989) [Single]

It Must Be Magic / Yes Indeed (1981) [Single]

All Night Long / Musical Love (1983) [Single]

Before I Let Go / Joy & Pain (1981) [Single]

No More Lies (1989) [Single]

Midas Touch (1986) [Single]

Never Knew Love Like This Before / Still Mine (1980) [Single]

Fool's Paradise / Getting to Know You Better (1986) [Single]

Tease Me (1984) [Single]

Heart Break (1988)

(What Can I Say) To Make You Love Me / A Broken Heart Can Mend (1988) [Single]

Pop It / I'm in Love With Lovin' You (1980) [Single]

Anything You Sow (1985)

Love T.K.O. / I Just Called to Say (1980) [Single]

Sign "☮︎" the Times / La, La, La, He, He, Hee (1987) [Single]

Just in Time / Just in Time and Space (Dub Mix) (1983) [Single]

Love You Down / Human Toy (1986) [Single]

I'll Be Good (1985) [Single]

So Ruff, So Tuff (1984) [Single]

Piano in the Dark / This Time I Need You (1988) [Single]

Promise (1985)

The Belle of St. Mark / Too Sexy (1984) [Single]

Call Me / When You Touch Me (1981) [Single]

Watching You (1980) [Single]

No One's Gonna Love You / I Don't Want Nobody Else (1984) [Single]