These Classic R&B Songs Are Turning 40 in 2026

R&B fans know that 1986 gave us some classic songs. Back then, we were rocking out to Janet Jackson’s hit “Nasty,” two-stepping to Zapp’s “Computer Love,” and in our feelings while slow dancing to Shirley Murdock’s “As We Lay.” This year, these timeless records are turning the big 4-0. To celebrate, we put together a playlist that brings back those nostalgic feelings. We know you’ll have this playlist on repeat at your next family gathering.

Janet Jackson – “Control”

Janet Jackson knew how to get people on the dance floor so they could break out into a two-step. Even after 40 years, the classic “Control” is still in rotation and giving a new generation a reason to get up and dance.

Anita Baker “Sweet Love”

Anita Baker’s breakout hit, “Sweet Love,” is real grown folks music. Whether you’re cleaning up your home or slow dancing with the one you love, this song will leave you in your feelings.

Prince & The Revolution – “Kiss”

Prince had hits for every occasion, but when it was time to get the party started, “Kiss” was THAT song. Forty years later, this funky classic still has everybody ready to sweat their hair out on the dance floor.

Patti LaBelle and Michael McDonald – “On My Own”

Patti LaBelle gave people a ray of hope when she poured her heart out while singing about heartbreak. Collaborating with Michael McDonald, LaBelle gave us an anthem that helped folks realize that when a relationship ends, your life has to keep going.

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Cameo – “Candy”

Whether you’re at a wedding reception or a family reunion, you know it’s time to break out into the Electric Slide when Cameo’s “Candy” comes on. Go ahead and grab those dancing shoes because we’re celebrating 40 years of this classic joint.

Zapp – “Computer Love”

Before sliding into our crushes’ DMs became a trend, Zapp was already imagining what it meant to find love through a computer. Forty years later, the futuristic love song is still a slow dance classic.

Alexander O’Neal & Cherrelle – “Saturday Love”

Weekday love is cool, but Alexander O’Neal and Cherrelle made “Saturday Love” something to look forward to. After forty years in heavy rotation, this record will forever remain a bop.

Shirley Murdock – “As We Lay”

Cheating will always be a losing game, but something about Shirley Murdock’s vocal delivery on “As We Lay” gave us chills. Our girl just made loving the wrong man sound so good.

Atlantic Starr – “Secret Lovers”

Speaking of creeping around, Atlantic Starr made an affair sound like a beautiful love story. “Secret Lovers” became the slow jam for folks caught up in something they had no business being in. Forty years later, even the new generation knows this one.

Ready For The World – “Love You Down”

Ready for the World’s “Love You Down” is one of those songs that will take you back to slow dancing with your high school sweetheart. This sultry slow jam is an R&B classic that we’ll never get tired of hearing.

Janet Jackson – “Pleasure Principle”

In 1986, the world watched Janet Jackson dance around that warehouse in a black T-shirt and jeans, effortlessly keeping our attention and immediately solidifying her status as an elite entertainer. We’re still in awe of how “The Pleasure Principle” remains a go-to dance record.

Sade – “Sweetest Taboo”

If you grew up in a Black household, Sade was probably part of your Saturday clean-up soundtrack. The Nigerian-British singer gave fans a catalog of timeless love songs, but “The Sweetest Taboo” is one of those records that gives us all the nostalgic feels.

Janet Jackson – “Nasty”

Janet Jackson kept giving us banger after banger, and she didn’t disappoint with her hit record, “Nasty.” Decades after its release, we’re still shouting, “No, my first name ain’t baby.” We know that’s right, Miss Jackson!

Whitney Houston – “How Will I Know”

Whitney Houston’s “How Will I Know” made us feel like falling in love was something to look forward to. This classic track still has us singing at the top of our lungs while we are in our feels.

Rick James — “Sweet and Sexy Thing”

Anyone who was in the clubs in 1986 knows Rick James’s hit record “Sweet and Sexy Thing.” From the funky ’80s baseline to James’ signature suggestive lyrics, this song is one that still gets the party started.