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25 classic R&B party anthems

yardbarker.com 2 days ago
25 classic R&B party anthems
Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic, Inc

Time to get the party started! Throughout music history, artists have made countless anthems that people love to hear when they're on the dance floor. Whether it's a house party, club, or a picnic, fans love to hear songs that not only make them feel good, but also help them show off some epic dance moves. Here is a list of some classic R&B songs for anyone looking to curate the perfect party scene. 

“This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan

“This Is How We Do It” by Montell Jordan

Montell Jordan gave listeners the ultimate weekend party song with his debut single “This Is How We Do It.” Jordan sets the entire scene: drinking, dancing, having a designated driver, and seeing people wear their flyest outfits. As he says on the first verse, “You gotta get your groove on before you go get paid / So tip up your cup and throw your hands up.” 

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“Outstanding” by The Gap Band

“Outstanding” by The Gap Band
Rick Diamond/WireImage for BMI

The Gap Band’s hit single “Outstanding” may have came out back in 1982, but it’s still one of those tracks that puts people in a nice groove. On the track, the band sings about a woman that’s a total knockout and excites any partner she’s with. Listen as they describe the lady's essence, “You light my fire / I feel alive with you, baby / You blow my mind / I’m satisfied.” 

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“Yeah!” by Usher feat. Lil Jon and Ludacris

“Yeah!” by Usher feat. Lil Jon and Ludacris

Whenever people hear Lil Jon say, “Peace up, A-Town down,” they know it’s time to get to the dance floor. From the opening line of Usher’s 2004 single “Yeah!,” he sets the club scene about meeting a woman and being captivated by her dance moves. The song is one of Usher’s most successful singles to date. 

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“Poison” by Bell Biv Devoe

“Poison” by Bell Biv Devoe

Bell Biv Devoe’s 1990 single “Poison” came out during a time when the New Jack Swing sound was taking over the airwaves. The drum sequence in the beginning of the track is the type of sound that can easily catch anyone’s ear. While the beat can get anyone on the dance floor, the lyrics talk about a woman that’s a gold digger.

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“Return of the Mack” by Mark Morrison

“Return of the Mack” by Mark Morrison

Mark Morrison may be known to some as a one-hit wonder, but his hit single “Return of the Mack” still gets a lot of replay decades after its release. On the track, Morrison details a woman who did him wrong, so he’s coming back with a vengeance and his mack game is even stronger. 

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“Where the Party At” by Jagged Edge feat. Nelly

“Where the Party At” by Jagged Edge feat. Nelly
Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Black Music Honors

Jagged Edge’s 2001 single “Where the Party At” easily puts listeners in weekend mode. With assistance from Nelly and production from Jermaine Dupri, the group sings about the process of going to a party. As they sing, “Belvedere in the rear of the club / Pulled up on dubs and we about to go and buy the bar up / So soulful, sure we ain’t playing / Hang with no lames, hit the park and saying / Aye, where the party at?” 

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“Family Affair” by Mary J. Blige

“Family Affair” by Mary J. Blige

Mary J. Blige wants to make sure everyone has a little fun in the dancery on her hit single “Family Affair.” Produced by Dr. Dre, Blige uses the track to make sure everyone lets loose and gets their body on the dance floor. Her stance is heard from beginning to end as she sings, “It’s only gonna be about a matter of time / Before you get loose and start to lose your mind / Cop you a drink, go head and rock your ice / ‘Cause we celebrating no more drama in our life.”

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“Just Got Paid” by Johnny Kemp

“Just Got Paid” by Johnny Kemp

Everyone knows that feeling of getting a paycheck after working hard for the last two weeks. Some people are using the money to help pay bills, others are using it to have fun, and some people are using it for both. Johnny Kemp’s 1987 hit “Just Got Paid” is all about the person having a fun weekend. As he says on the hook, “Just got paid, Friday night / Party huntin,’ feeling right.” 

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“Too Close” by Next

“Too Close” by Next

In 1997, R&B trio Next dropped its hit party anthem “Too Close.” On the track, the guys describe what it’s like to be at a club and to get sexually aroused when dancing with an attractive woman. As they sing on the hook, “Baby when you’re grinding / I get so excited / Ooooh how I like it / I try but I can’t fight it.” 

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“Motownphilly” by Boyz II Men

“Motownphilly” by Boyz II Men

Boyz II Men came on the scene with smooth harmonies on their 1991 debut single “Motownphilly.” Produced by Dallas Austin, the group wanted to showcase how they can have harmonies like a Motown group, but also blend it with their Philadelphia soulful style. As they introduce themselves on the first verse, “It’s long overdue but now / Philly is slammin’ / Boyz II Men, ABC, BBD / The East Coast family.” 

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“1 Thing” by Amerie

“1 Thing” by Amerie

Amerie and producer Rich Harrison always created magic together. Their musical chemistry was especially evident on Amerie’s 2005 single “1 Thing.” On the track, Amerie details how there’s always one thing that keeps pulling people back to who they’re attracted to.

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“Peaches and Cream” by 112

“Peaches and Cream” by 112

R&B group 112 highlight just how much they’re addicted to making love to their partners on “Peaches and Cream.” As they sing on the hook “Peaches and cream / I need it cause you know that I’m a fiend / Getting freaky in my Bentley limousine / It’s even better when it’s with ice cream.” 

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“Candy Rain” by Soul for Real

“Candy Rain” by Soul for Real

Heavy D produced Soul for Real's 1995 debut single "Candy Rain." On the track, the group describes falling in love, a feeling that they didn't think would happen for them. As they sing on the hook, "My love / Do you ever dream of candy-coated raindrops? / You're the same, my candy rain." 

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“1, 2 Step” by Ciara feat. Missy Elliott

“1, 2 Step” by Ciara feat. Missy Elliott
Bryan Bedder/Getty Images for BET

When Ciara first came onto the scene, she was bringing in the Atlanta R&B sound known as CrunknB. She teamed up with producer Jazze Pha and rapper Missy Elliott on her hit single “1, 2 Step.” The beat matches the lyrics perfectly as Ciara sings, “This beat is automatic, supersonic, hypnotic, funky fresh / Work my body, so melodic, this beat rolls through my chest.” 

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“Hey Mr. D.J.” by Zhane

“Hey Mr. D.J.” by Zhane
Al Pereira/Michael Ochs Archive/Getty Images

DJs always have an important job at any party; they’re the vibe curators to help make sure that attendees have a good time. On Zhane’s 1993 track “Hey Mr. D.J.,” they sing about wanting to find the perfect party on the weekend. As they sing on the pre-hook, “Hey Mr. D.J. / Everybody’s ready to party / All the girls are ready / So we can party til the break of dawn.” 

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“Work” by Rihanna feat. Drake

“Work” by Rihanna feat. Drake

Rihanna has teamed up with Drake on a few collaborations throughout her career, including the 2016 single "Work." The song is a perfect blend of dancehall, R&B, and pop elements, making for an essential party track. 

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Blame It” by Jamie Foxx feat. T-Pain

Blame It” by Jamie Foxx feat. T-Pain

A great party will always have some libations flowing. Jamie Foxx teamed up with T-Pain on his party-drinking hit “Blame It.” Foxx is well aware how drinking can at times make people feel a little more comfortable at parties. As he says on the hook “Blame it on the Goose / Gotcha feeling loose / Blame it on the ‘Tron / Got you in the zone.” 

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“Rock With You” by Michael Jackson

“Rock With You” by Michael Jackson

By the time Michael Jackson released his fifth album Off The Wall, the era of disco was slowing down. He teamed up with Quincy Jones throughout the album and brought some disco and funk to the second single “Rock With You.” It makes for a classic MJ hit as he sings “Girl when you dance / There’s a magic that must be love / Just take it slow / ‘Cause we’ve got so far to go / When ya feel that heat / And we’re gonna ride the boogie.” 

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“Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)” by Ashanti

“Rock Wit U (Awww Baby)” by Ashanti

After massive success with her debut album, Ashanti returned in 2003 with her sophomore project Chapter II. On the lead single "Rock With U (Awww Baby)," Ashanti describes her level of attraction and infatuation with a partner. 

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“How Many Drinks” by Miguel

“How Many Drinks” by Miguel
Kevin Winter/Getty Images for iHeartRadio

In late 2012, Miguel released his highly-anticipated sophomore album Kaleidoscope Dream. Working with producer Salaam Remi and rapper Kendrick Lamar on the second single “How Many Drinks,” Miguel is all about having some drinks in his system to have a good time. 

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