Singing R&B is like knitting, or maybe more like weaving… a blanket, or tapestry of emotion, rhythm, and storytelling—a genre that seamlessly combines warmth and groove, allowing vocalists to express their soul’s depth.
For novice singers, finding the right tracks that balance simplicity with emotional resonance can be a crucial first step in their musical journey. So, if you’re learning to sing r&b, this list should inspire you with some jumping-off points and many of the genre’s best.
Explore this curated list of R&B classics, tailor-made to build confidence in any beginner’s voice. Songs like Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” and Otis Redding’s “Sittin’ On The Dock of the Bay” are definitely songs we all probably know and, with a little practice, sing well.
As you explore these iconic tracks, each one becomes a lesson in heart and soul, inviting even the most novice of singers to leave an indelible mark.
Top 10 Absolute Easiest R&B Songs for True Beginner Singers
- “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson
Rating: Very Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: This pop/R&B classic is driven by a steady beat that aids beginners in maintaining tempo and rhythm. Focus on clear articulation and emotive story delivery without needing extensive vocal range. - “Easy” by Commodores
Rating: Very Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: This laid-back anthem provides an uncomplicated melody with a relaxed vibe, making it suitable for practicing control over smooth vocals and easy transitions between notes. - “In the Midnight Hour” by Wilson Pickett
Rating: Very Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: This track’s repetitive structure and catchy rhythm support the development of timing and sustained note practice, with ample opportunity for personal flair. - “Sittin’ On The Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding
Rating: Very Easy
General Range: Low-middle
Notes: Recognizable for its soulful simplicity, this track guides novice singers through serene, relaxed phrasing, offering practice in conveying emotion through a mellow vocal line. - “Use Me” by Bill Withers
Rating: Very Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: Known for its funky groove and rhythmic vocal delivery, this song is perfect for learning to balance vocal energy with steady beats and basic note-holding. - “Stand By Your Man” by Tammy Wynette
Rating: Very Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: Though primarily a country song, its soul-inspired delivery style makes it relevant here. It offers beginners practice in creating vocal warmth and connection to lyrics. - “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)” by The Four Tops
Rating: Very Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: As an upbeat Motown hit, this song offers a straightforward structure that allows beginners to focus on projection and timing without complex vocal demands. - “Chain of Fools” by Aretha Franklin
Rating: Very Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: Ideal for practicing vocal power within a contained range, this classic helps singers explore soul-driven intensity and reaffirm simple, repetitive vocal patterns. - “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” by The Temptations
Rating: Very Easy
General Range: Low-middle
Notes: With its enthusiastic tempo and engaging chorus, this song encourages spirited articulation and teamwork in group dynamics, reinforcing rhythm and resonance. - “Dancing in the Moonlight” by King Harvest
Rating: Very Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: This feel-good track offers repetitive, melodic verses that are inviting for beginners, perfect for mastering basic audio dynamics and developing a light, joyful vocal expression.
Top 50 Easiest R&B Songs to Learn to Sing
Discover the Gateway to R&B: The Top 50 Easiest Songs for Beginners
Diving into the richness of R&B, beginners can find themselves at the crossroads of soulful melodies and heartfelt narratives. This genre, renowned for its storytelling and chill, provides a nurturing ground for beginner singers nervous to explore their vocal abilities.
Our curated list of the Top 50 Easiest R&B Songs is designed specifically for beginner vocalists learning to sing r&b for the first time, and also for those who sing r&b regularly.
In our compilation, you’ll uncover a diverse array of tracks spanning decades of R&B magic, from the vintage charm of Motown classics to the contemporary vibes of neo-soul and modern hits. Each song has been meticulously selected to ensure that even the freshest voice finds a supportive starting point. These tracks boast approachable melodies, straightforward lyrical compositions, and inviting rhythms that entice singers to express freely without overwhelming complexity.
Divided into segments for easy female r&b songs and easy r&b songs for male vocalists, the list emphasizes songs that serve as both stepping stones and enriching challenges. With choices that cultivate musicality, enhance vocal control, and foster interpretive skills, these tunes cater to the unique artistry inherent in every aspiring performer. Whether you’re captivated by the velvety tones of Bill Withers or eager to emulate the smooth stylings of Alicia Keys, these songs offer something for every beginner to grasp and grow with.
Beyond just learning the notes, this collection of melodies invites singers to delve deeper into the heart of R&B—an exploration of soul and self within each melodic line. Each song possesses rich layers, encouraging vocalists to engage emotionally and develop a distinctive style that resonates with their personal narrative.
Embark on a journey through this list and awaken the R&B star within you. Equipped with these timeless and contemporary tracks, you’ll find that every note sung is a step closer to musical mastery and expressive confidence.
Easy R&B Songs for Female Singers
- “Waterfalls” by TLC
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle-high
Notes: This iconic 90s track offers a gentle climb in vocal range, allowing new singers to experiment with both melodious verses and the rhythmic delivery of the rap section. Its storytelling aspect provides an opportunity to work on conveying emotion and social themes. - “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keys
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: Packed with soulful emotion, this tune is a brilliant canvas for dynamic range exploration and breath control practice. Alicia Keys’ emphasis on storytelling through her soulful delivery makes it a rewarding piece for emotional expression. - “Unbreakable” by Alicia Keys
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: This track focuses on the themes of resilience and strength. It’s ideal for practicing clear diction and exploring smooth mid-range vocals, providing a solid foundation for tackling more complex ballads later on. - “Irreplaceable” by Beyoncé
Rating: Moderately Easy
General Range: Middle-high
Notes: Known for its catchy melody and empowering lyrics, this song encourages a confident vocal delivery. Navigate the song’s conversational phrasing to enhance storytelling and audience engagement. - “Real Love” by Mary J. Blige
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: Known as the “Queen of Hip-Hop Soul,” Mary J. Blige brings authenticity to this track. It’s an excellent choice for learning vocal nuances, rhythm synchronization, and expressing raw emotion. - “We Belong Together” by Mariah Carey
Rating: Moderately Easy
General Range: Middle-high
Notes: With its rich harmonies and poignant lyrics, this song offers a balance of simplicity and challenge. Helps beginners understand the importance of vocal control and layering tonal textures. - “Fallin’” by Alicia Keys
Rating: Moderately Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: Demonstrates the power of dynamic shifts in vocal performance and provides a lesson in how to build emotional intensity as the song progresses. This track is perfect for exploring soulful, heartfelt delivery. - “No Scrubs” by TLC
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: Dive into this pop-R&B crossover for a fun and sassy challenge. It offers an ideal blend of spunky rhythm and catchy vocals perfect for developing both energy and precision. - “Weak” by SWV (Sisters With Voices)
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: With its smooth, soul-infused vibe, this song is a gentle introduction to harmonics and note sustainment. It also aids in honing vocal emotion through heartfelt expression. - “Back to Black” by Amy Winehouse
Rating: Easy
General Range: Low-middle
Notes: This track’s jazz-infused style provides an opportunity to play with phrasing and dynamic contrast. It’s a great choice for exploring retro influences in modern R&B and adopting jazzy inflections. - “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child
Rating: Moderately Easy
General Range: Middle-high
Notes: Offers a robust exercise in harmony as well as blending subtle runs with confident delivery. Practice alternating lead and background sections to develop a shared vocal focus. - “On & On” by Erykah Badu
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: Infused with neo-soul vibes, this track excels in rhythmic phrasing and lyrical nuance. Its conversational flow makes it a gateway song for jazz-inflected R&B styles. - “Unpretty” by TLC
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: Embark on an introspective journey with this empowering track. It offers practice in emotional nuances and sustaining notes within a comfortable vocal range. - “Killing Me Softly with His Song” by Lauryn Hill (The Fugees version)
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: The effortless croons of Lauryn Hill provide a lesson in vocal warmth and controlled vibrato. Ideal for enhancing interpretive skills and the use of subtle coloring in vocal lines. - “I Will Always Love You” by Whitney Houston
Rating: Moderately Easy
General Range: Middle-high
Notes: This timeless powerhouse ballad offers a challenge in balancing strength and delicacy. Focus on emotion and breath control to navigate its demanding crescendos and sustained notes. - “Ex-Factor” by Lauryn Hill
Rating: Moderate
General Range: Middle
Notes: Known for its emotional storytelling and compelling melodies, this track encourages authenticity in vocal delivery. Great for developing a deep connection to lyrics. - “Breathe Again” by Toni Braxton
Rating: Easy
General Range: Low-middle
Notes: Offers an exploration into deep, resonant balladry with its rich tone and vulnerable lyrics. A study in gradual buildup and emotional unraveling through vocal interpretation. - “Back to You” by Selena Gomez
Rating: Easy
General Range: Low-middle
Notes: A contemporary choice blending pop with R&B elements. Focus on succinct phrasing and smooth transitions between chest and head voice. - “Miss You Much” by Janet Jackson
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: With its upbeat tempo and syncopated beats, this song is ideal for mastering rhythmic precision and expressive vocal flair. - “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: A classic soulful anthem that emphasizes storytelling and emotional expression. Focus on breath support to capture its full-bodied sound. - “You Know I’m No Good” by Amy Winehouse
Rating: Easy
General Range: Low-middle
Notes: Soulful with a jazzy edge, this track allows exploration of vocal sass and dynamic phrasing. Perfect for working on mood setting through vocal delivery. - “Golden” by Jill Scott
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: This feel-good anthem is valuable for practicing freedom in vocal improvisation and gaining confidence in personal expression. - “Best Part” by H.E.R. feat. Daniel Caesar
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: A modern duet that teaches balance between harmony and solo parts. Focus on maintaining a soft, intimate tone throughout the performance. - “Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis
Rating: Moderate
General Range: Middle-high
Notes: Offers a compelling lesson in building vocal intensity and mastering breath control, with a heart-stirring climax that requires careful dynamic handling. - “Love on the Brain” by Rihanna
Rating: Moderately Easy
General Range: Middle-high
Notes: With its vintage soul vibe and emotive melody, this track offers practice in switching seamlessly between powerful belts and soft, lush tones.
25 Easiest R&B Songs to Sing for Male Singers
- “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: This sensual classic offers beginners a chance to refine smooth transitions and maintain a relaxed vocal style. Focus on the song’s groove and subtle dynamics to convey intimacy. - “Ain’t No Sunshine” by Bill Withers
Rating: Easy
General Range: Low-middle
Notes: Known for its haunting simplicity, the song teaches monotone expressiveness. Ideal for focusing on emotion and pacing during short, impactful phrases. - “You Make My Dreams” by Daryl Hall & John Oates
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: A bright, infectious track that invites vocal ease and joyful expression. Perfect for practicing solid enunciation and pop-influenced harmonies. - “Ordinary People” by John Legend
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: This reflective ballad offers deep emotional connectivity with its simple yet powerful narrative. Emphasize expressive phrasing and controlled articulation of each emotional swell. - “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: A funky, upbeat track that’s great for exploring rhythmic precision and vocal styling. Engage with the playful energy and adapt vocal tone to match the lively instrumentation. - “My Girl” by The Temptations
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle-high
Notes: A timeless love tune that promotes clear vocal harmonics and encourages light-hearted performance. Pay attention to syllable stress and vocal clarity. - “Sexual Healing” by Marvin Gaye
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: This sultry hit requires smooth vocal runs and tender expressions. Perfect for learning how to caress each note for maximum emotional impact. - “Tracks of My Tears” by Smokey Robinson & The Miracles
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: An emotionally rich song that benefits from sincere interpretation. Develop skills in conveying poignant storytelling through subtle vocal variations. - “Lovely Day” by Bill Withers
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle-high
Notes: A cheerful ballad that ensures vocal transitions are smooth. Offers practice in maintaining positive tone and incorporating vibrant expression. - “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: A socially conscious anthem focusing on narrative delivery and vocal restraint. Ideal for developing breath control and engaging audiences with meaningful expression. - “Let’s Stay Together” by Al Green
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: Known for its soulful tenderness, this classic encourages exploration of vocal warmth and delicate vibrato, making it ideal for intimate performances. - “Forever” by Chris Brown
Rating: Moderately Easy
General Range: Middle-high
Notes: A modern classic with a lively tempo, providing practice in enunciation and maintaining energy throughout dynamic phrases. - “Just the Two of Us” by Bill Withers featuring Grover Washington Jr.
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: Captures smooth R&B tones ideal for focusing on vocal texture and relaxing into a fluid, natural delivery that’s comforting yet engaging. - “I Swear” by All-4-One
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle-high
Notes: Excellent for exploring harmonies with heartfelt expressions. Focus on building emotional crescendos and velvety timbres that linger with the audience. - “Cry Me a River” by Justin Timberlake
Rating: Moderate
General Range: Middle
Notes: Incorporates contemporary beats with classical soul, aiding in the practice of blending emotive falsetto with strong, clear verses. - “End of the Road” by Boyz II Men
Rating: Moderate
General Range: Middle-high
Notes: A robust track for harmonies and powerful dynamics, essential for developing deep resonance and lyrical sincerity during performance. - “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle-high
Notes: This high-energy anthem calls for precision in rhythm and playful vocal articulation, driving mastery in vibrant stage performance. - “You Send Me” by Sam Cooke
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: This classic offers the opportunity to hone silky tone and expressive vibrato, enriching simplicity with an earnest, heartfelt delivery. - “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle-high
Notes: Boasts a jubilant beat that emphasizes tempo control and vocal clarity, encouraging enthusiastically synchronized ensemble singing. - “I Heard It Through the Grapevine” by Marvin Gaye
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: Engages with its unique vocal inflections ideal for phrasing exercises, offering playful practice in articulation and narrative spice. - “Can’t Help Falling in Love” by Elvis Presley
Rating: Easy
General Range: Low-middle
Notes: A warm, tender ballad that benefits from exploring expressiveness and vocal smoothness, showcasing gentle transitions between notes. - “Lean on Me” by Bill Withers
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: This uplifting anthem promotes an appreciation for simplicity in tone and lyrical focus, fostering vocal strength infused with genuine warmth. - “No Diggity” by Blackstreet
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: Excellent for practicing syncopation and lyrical rhythm, instilling smooth hip-hop soul expression that captivates listeners. - “Soul Man” by Sam & Dave
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle-high
Notes: A spirited piece that encourages energetic vocal performance with emphasis on bold phrasing and expressive depth. - “Have I Told You Lately” by Rod Stewart
Rating: Easy
General Range: Middle
Notes: Provides practice in delivering subtle, heartfelt emotion, using tender tone adjustments to enhance its touching, sincere message.
Explore other song that are easy to sing
Looking for more easy songs to learn to sing? Check out our Easy Songs to Sing List.
