R&b

“Essence” by afrobeat superstar WizKid, featuring Tems, was another of the year's undeniable songs. Reaching No. 1 on Billboard’s R&B/hip-hop airplay and the adult R&B airplay chart, the sultry, melodic duet record was crowned by many as the song of the summer. “Essence,” which beckoned listeners to find their significant other — or perspective crush— to get up and dance, would explode and become so gigantic that the Nigerian native welcomed a remix from another R&B star: Justin Bieber.

Justin Bieber was not happy with the Recording Academy last year when his “Changes” album was categorized as pop rather than R&B. But “Peaches,” featuring Daniel Caesar and Giveon from this year’s “Justice” album, not only doubled down on the R&B sound, but became one of music’s most dominant songs, debuting at No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 and topping the global charts. It's a feel good, two-stepping record that was needed as the coronavirus pandemic still forced much of the world to stay home. Some critics say Bieber can’t decide between being a pop star or an R&B heartthrob. However, what seems clear is that many times — even still in 2021 — the only difference between a pop song and an R&B record is the skin color of the artist singing it.

Jazmine Sullivan’s “Heaux Tales” could easily be the year's best album. A soulful songstress always recognized for her powerful voice but never fully appreciated for her artistic brilliance, her latest project tackled femininity, relationships and Black women unapologetically owning their sexuality. R&B was never dead, but it did need some revitalization and like many things, Black women — Sullivan, H.E.R. and many of their contemporaries — came to save it.

Every playlist should include some TLC, right? So, we will, with this R&B smash hit from “CrazySexyCool.”.

Bruno Mars doesn't miss. So in teaming with multi-hyphenate performer Anderson .Paak — this is the first offering off the duo's upcoming debut album, "An Evening with Silk Sonic" — he's created a timeless-sounding, retro-R&B love jam that is crafted with care and precision and actually sounds romantic, a quality missing from so many of today's wham-bam odes to hooking up. Here's to hoping the album fully carries on that vibe.

Jorja Smith got off to a great start in her career, as her 2018 debut album, “Lost and Found,” topped the U.K. R&B charts and led to her being named best British female artist at the 2019 Brit Awards. The amazing singer, who was also nominated (but lost to Dua Lipa) in the best new artist category at the 2019 Grammy Awards, returns with a new work. Due out May 14; jorjasmith.com.

Beyoncé earned her 28th Grammy, surpassing Alison Krauss to become the most decorated female act in Grammy history.

The 2020 Billboard Music Awards were rescheduled to Wednesday, Oct. 14 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Kelly Clarkson is set to host.

Two minutes of pure pop/doo-wop/R&B perfection, dished up one of the greatest “girl groups” of all time.