Rolling Stone has published another of its much-discussed – and often controversial – lists compiling the best of a certain year or genre. Today, the American magazine releases its ranking of the best R&B songs of the 21st century.
Usher, who is scheduled to perform at the Super Bowl halftime next month, tops the list with ‘Confessions Pt. II’. Another second part, Beyoncé’s ‘Dangerously in Love’, appears in second place, followed by D’Angelo’s ‘Untitled (How Does It Feel)’ in third place.
Rolling Stone’s top 5 is completed with ‘Be without You’ by Mary J. Blige at number four and ‘We Belong Together’ by Mariah Carey at number five, and within the top 10 are ‘Thinkin’ About You’ by Frank Ocean at six, Alicia Keys’ ‘Fallin’ at seven, John Legend’s ‘Ordinary People’ at eight, Erykah Badu’s ‘Bag Lady (Cheeba Sac Radio Edit)’ at nine, and Brandy’s ‘Full Moon’ in ten.
The list opens at number 100 with Raheem DeVaughn’s ‘Woman’ and features more or less expected inclusions such as Tweet’s ‘Oops (Oh My) at number 46, Ginuwine’s ‘Differences’ at number 34, ‘1 Thing’ ‘ by Amerie at 32 or ‘Rock the Boat’ by Aaliyah at 15, in addition to of course classics by some of the most prestigious artists of neo-soul, from Jill Scott to Floetry.
Among the new classics included in the list, ‘Leave the Door Open’ by Silk City stands out at number 29, ‘Snooze’ by SZA at number 19, ‘Cranes in the Sky’ by Solange at number 18 and ‘Adorn’ by Miguel at number 18. 12. And, among the big surprises, perhaps, we must comment on the entry of ‘You Rock My World’ by Michael Jackson, no less than opening the top 20, since it is not one of his most remembered singles. You can comment on Rolling Stone’s list in the JENESAISPOP thread dedicated to R&B.