New to K-Pop? 8 K-R&B songs to get you started

K-R&B is one of my favorite genres of Korean music. With beautiful vocals, calming energy, and relaxing instrumentals, K-R&B feel like a present when you need strength or healing. So here are 8 K-R&B songs that I recommend to get you started with this fantastic genre…

Note: there are thousands of brilliant K-R&B songs. This list includes some of my favorites but it is not a complete list. For more information about this genre and these artists see K-Pop Music and K-Pop Artists.

1. “What do I call you” (Taeyeon)

This chill R&B hit by the flawless Taeyeon perfectly describes the awkward relationship between two people after a breakup. With a calming tempo and beautiful lyrics, this is a relaxing song that you won’t be able to get out of your head.

2. No Blueberries (DPR IAN, DPR LIVE, CL)

Another hit from the geniuses of DPR, this title track from DPR IAN’s album “Moodswings In This Order” is an eerie track with a catchy beat and the brilliant synergy of these three excellent artists. Featuring DPR LIVE’s fantastic rapping and CL’s unbeatable vocals, DPR IAN’s “No Blueberries” is one of my favorite R&B songs released in 2020.

3. Bambi (Baekhyun)

R&B soloist and vocalist to the incredibly successful K-Pop group EXO, Baekhyun released his third solo comeback song, “Bambi,” as the title track to his R&B album with the same name. With Baekhyun’s incredible vocal skill and brilliant composition, this song has dominated the K-R&B charts since its release in March 2021.

4. Apollo 11 (JAMIE, Jay Park)

This astrological-themed collaboration track by Jamie and Jay Park is unmissable for any burgeoning R&B fan. With Jamie’s unbeatable vocals and Jay Park as the featured rapper, it is not surprising that “Apollo 11” has topped all the Korean music charts since its release in 2020. This chill earworm one of my all-time favorite K-R&B songs with its uplifting message and catchy beat!

5. The Long Night (Seori, Giriboy)

A new addition and one of my top songs at the moment, “The Long Night” by Seori and featured rapper Giriboy, is everything I love about K-R&B. With relaxing and addictive lyrics and a pretty melody, this song showcases Seori’s enchanting vocal skills and Giriboy’s versatile style. Altogether, The Long Night is an incredible song that you will immediately want to put on repeat!

6. Bittersweet (WONWOO, MINGYU, Lee Hi)

Another recent release, “Bittersweet,” is the recent collaboration between popular K-Pop group SEVENTEEN’s rappers WONWOO, MINGYU, and R&B vocalist Lee Hi. The combination of WONWOO and MINGYU’s bitter rap styles and Lee Hi’s sweet vocals perfectly reflect the title. Combining these vocal styles with this song’s catchy lyrics and addictive nature, “Bittersweet” is perfect for a rainy day or a late-night quiet café.

7. Know Me (GEMINI)

One of my favorite recent discoveries, “Know Me” by GEMINI, is a haunting R&B track about a lover trapped in a loveless relationship. With engaging English lyrics and GEMINI’s uniquely beautiful vocals that connect to the listener, this is a stand-out song that leaves you filled with emotion.

8. Like A Fool (NIve, Sam Kim)

A brilliant collaboration between two of my favorite vocalists, “Like A Fool” by NIve and Sam Kim, is another excellent 2020 release by two beautiful artists. A hopelessly romantic track sung by two of the most talented vocalists in the genre, “Like A Fool” is cozy and comforting like a warm sweater on an autumn afternoon.

For more about K-R&B and other Korean music genres, keep reading here: K-Pop Music