R&B and soul have always been grounded in emotion, honesty, vulnerability, storytelling, and mood. But the genre has been shifting over the last decade, with new voices emerging and older sounds resurfacing in fresh ways. Today’s artists are blending classic soul warmth with modern production, alternative influences, and deeply personal writing. Whether you love slow-burning tracks, experimental grooves, or soft emotional storytelling, these ten artists represent the best of what R&B and soul have to offer right now.
Olivia Dean
Olivia Dean has quickly become one of the most compelling young voices in soul. Her warm, honey-smooth vocals and thoughtful songwriting bring a refreshing sincerity to the genre. Dean’s music balances emotional vulnerability with a grounded, modern sensibility, creating tracks that feel both comforting and quietly powerful. Her rise has been steady and well-earned, marked by critically praised releases and standout live performances. As she continues to gain global attention, she represents how the modern soul can stay timeless while still speaking directly to young listeners today.
Song Recs:
- “A Couple Minutes”
- “Loud”
- “I’ve Seen It”
Sienna Spiro
A new but undeniable force in the R&B scene, Sienna Spiro blends soulful richness with ethereal, atmospheric production. Her sound sits at the intersection of intimacy and elegance, lush harmonies, introspective lyrics, and a voice that feels timeless. Spiro’s artistic identity is already well formed, positioning her as a breakout name to watch as she continues to craft thoughtful, immersive music. As her audience grows, Spiro is becoming one of those artists who crafts not just songs, but an emotional atmosphere you want to sink into.
Song Recs:
- “Die on this Hill”
- “You Stole the Show”
- “Cyanide”
Snoh Aalegra
Snoh Aalegra has built an entire world of moody, luxurious R&B. Her music carries a cinematic quality, slow-burning arrangements, velvety vocals, and emotional storytelling that feels lived in. Heavily influenced by icons like Prince and Sade, Aalegra adds modern flair to classic soul aesthetics. She remains one of the most consistent and atmospheric artists in contemporary R&B, known for cultivating pure feeling through sound.
Song Recs:
- “Time”
- “Nothing Burns Like The Cold”
- “Woah”
Cleo Sol
Cleo Sol’s voice is serenity itself. As a solo artist and a key contributor to the collective SAULT, she has redefined what soul can look like in the 2020s: warm, introspective, spiritual, and deeply human. Her albums often play like meditations, with gentle instrumentation, poetic lyricism, and an emotional groundedness that invites listeners inward. Sol has achieved critical acclaim without sacrificing artistic purity, and her influence only continues to expand.
Song Recs:
- “Love Will Lead You There”
- “Know That You Are Loved”
- “There Will Be No Crying”
Daniel Caesar
Daniel Caesar’s music feels like a late-night confession: soft, reflective, and deeply emotional. Blending R&B, gospel influences, and soulful melodies, he’s built a reputation for creating songs that stick with listeners long after the first play. His vocals are warm and intimate, and his lyrics often explore love, vulnerability, spirituality, and self-discovery. With critically acclaimed albums and a devoted fan base, Caesar remains one of the most consistent and compelling voices in modern soul. If your playlist is missing that slow burn, heart-heavy energy, Daniel Caesar is the artist to fill the gap.
Song Recs:
- “Toronto 2014”
- “Hold Me Down”
- “Who Hurt You?”
Sade
A living legend, Sade’s influence on modern soul cannot be overstated. With a voice that has become synonymous with elegance and emotional restraint, her music still feels contemporary decades after its release. Sade pioneered a minimalist, jazz-infused softness that continues to shape the sound of countless new artists. Including her in any playlist is a reminder of the genre’s roots and its enduring beauty.
Song Recs:
- “Like a Tattoo”
- “Kiss of Life”
- “Is it a Crime”
Sonder
Formed by Brent Faiyaz, Atu, and Dpat, Sonder brings a moody, atmospheric twist to alternative R&B. Their work is characterized by floating production, haunting melodies, and themes of longing, self-reflection, and fractured relationships. While Faiyaz often gets most of the spotlight, Sonder as a collective produces some of the most immersive, textured R&B of the decade. Their music feels like entering a dimly lit emotional universe.
Song Recs:
- “Care”
- “Baldwin Park”
- “Feel”
Isaiah Rashad
Though often placed in the hip hop category, Isaiah Rashad’s music is deeply rooted in soul. His melodic delivery, smooth production choices, and storytelling style create a warm, introspective soundscape. Rashad blends rap and R&B seamlessly, offering emotional honesty without theatrics. His work remains a staple for listeners who want music that feels thoughtful, textured, and quietly impactful.
Song Recs:
- “Silkk da shocka”
- “Stuck in the mud”
- “HB2U”
Childish Gambino
Childish Gambino’s contributions to soul and R&B are bold, innovative, and often genre-blurring. From funk-driven experiments to stripped-down neo-soul moments, he approaches music with cinematic creativity. His projects show a willingness to take risks with vocal distortion, live instrumentation, and emotional experimentation, all while maintaining an unmistakable artistic voice. Gambino remains one of the most inventive contributors to modern soul.
Song Recs:
- “Me and Your Mama”
- “Redbone”
- “lll. Urn”
Giveon
Giveon is instantly recognizable for his deep, resonant baritone and heartfelt storytelling. He brings a classic, almost vintage sensibility to contemporary R&B, pairing emotional vulnerability with polished production. His music explores heartbreak, desire, and the complexities of love with a maturity that stands out. Giveon is both a commercial success and a true craftsman, an artist who bridges the gap between old school soul and today’s sound.
Song Recs:
- “Garden Kisses”
- “The Beach”
- “Twenties”
R&B and soul are constantly evolving, yet they remain grounded in emotion, storytelling, and sonic richness, and these ten artists embody the heart of the genre today. Whether they’re redefining modern soul with intimate lyricism, blending R&B with global influences, or pushing the boundaries of production and vocal style, each artist adds something meaningful and unforgettable to the landscape. Exploring their catalogs isn’t just about finding new music but experiencing the many textures, moods, and stories that make R&B and soul so powerful. Add them to your playlist and let their artistry speak for itself.