Soulful Nostalgia

This playlist is a journey through classic R&B, soul, and hip-hop, blending smooth grooves, heartfelt lyrics, and pure nostalgia from the ’80s, ’90s, and early 2000s. Every song flows naturally into the next, creating an experience that feels effortless yet intentional.

This Is – Ella Mai

The song is warm, and the confident energy of her voice sets the perfect tone, easing into a groove that feels both modern and timeless.

Video – India.Arie

The transition is seamless, bringing an uplifting, self-empowering vibe. The acoustic neo-soul production keeps things organic while shifting the focus toward self-love. This song was actually nominated for four Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year, which speaks to its impact.

Tell Me What You Need – LESia

This is a dreamy, intimate energy, soft and expressive, setting up the next track beautifully.

Killing Me Softly With His Song – Fugees

Delicate storytelling flows right into Lauryn Hill’s haunting vocals, adding a hypnotic depth to the playlist. Originally sung by Roberta Flack in 1973, the Fugees’ version became a massive hit, dominating the UK charts for five weeks.

I Love Your Smile – Shanice

This song Injects pure joy and flirtation into the mix, carefree and lighthearted, creating a perfect contrast to the deep emotions of the previous track. Shanice was only 18 when she released this, and it became a global hit.

End of the Road – Boyz II Men

Suddenly, heartbreak takes center stage. The emotional weight here is heavy, making the shift from Shanice’s playfulness feel even more dramatic. This song actually spent 13 weeks at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1992, breaking records at the time.

Don’t Leave Me – Blackstreet

This jam carries the same heartbreak but in a smoother, more sensual way, making it feel like a natural next step.

Do Me! – Bell Biv DeVoe

Everything changes as this track shakes off the sorrow and brings back high-energy New Jack Swing. The boldness here is a stark contrast to the previous song, making the shift feel even more impactful. Bell Biv DeVoe actually formed after splitting from New Edition, which explains why their sound has that classic late-’80s R&B edge.

Fly as Me – Silk Sonic

This song keeps the retro-funk energy alive but refines it, adding an effortlessly stylish and confident swagger. Bruno Mars and Anderson .Paak actually drew inspiration from legends like The Isley Brothers and Bootsy Collins, who even narrated their album.

Every Little Thing I Do – Soul For Real

Maintains that old-school groove but in a softer, more romantic way. These guys were mentored by Heavy D, which explains why their sound has that polished ’90s touch.

Trade It All Pt. 2 – Fabolous

Brings a smooth blend of hip-hop and R&B, laid-back yet confident, making it the perfect setup for the next track.

Back & Forth – Aaliyah

Effortless and stylish, her voice floats over the beat, keeping the groove alive. This was actually Aaliyah’s first single, produced by R. Kelly when she was only 15.

How Do You Want It – 2Pac

A shift into something grittier, leaning harder into that West Coast rap feel while keeping the R&B/hip-hop fusion.

My Prerogative – Bobby Brown

Brings in rebellious energy, bold, funky, and completely unapologetic, setting up the next track effortlessly.

Candy – Cameo

The funk influence keeps the vibe strong, but this track adds extra playful bounce. It blew up again in the late ’90s thanks to The Best Man movie.

If I Ever Fall in Love – Shai

Softens the mood completely, stripping things down to pure, raw emotion and stunning a cappella harmonies. The way this contrasts with *Candy* makes the transition hit even harder.

If You Love Me – Brownstone

Brings a sense of urgency, with powerful harmonies and raw emotion keeping the classic ’90s R&B feel strong.

You Make Me Wanna – Usher

Continues the emotional depth but introduces tension and conflict, making it feel like an internal battle.

I Can Love You Like That – All-4-One

This song flips the perspective from struggle to devotion, adding a sense of reassurance and promise.

Exhale (Shoop Shoop) – Whitney Houston

A calming, almost meditative moment, reflective and soothing, like taking a deep breath after everything that came before it. This was part of the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack, which had an all-female R&B lineup that was legendary.

Good Girls – Joe

Keeps things introspective but adds a bit of regret, making the transition feel like a conversation between experiences.

Sittin’ Up in My Room – Brandy

Youthful, dreamy, and full of anticipation, almost like coming full circle back to the innocent excitement that started the journey. Also from Waiting to Exhale, it became one of Brandy’s biggest hits.

This whole playlist blends different shades of R&B love, heartbreak, groove, and nostalgia, while seamlessly transitioning across decades and styles. The mix of upbeat jams, sultry slow burns, and deep emotional moments makes it an experience that hits all the right notes.

Track Listing

• This Is – Ella Mai
• Video – India.Arie
• Tell Me What You Need – LESiA
• Killing Me Softly With His Song – Fugees
• I Love Your Smile – Shanice
• End Of The Road – Boyz II Men
• Don’t Leave Me – Blackstreet
• Do Me! – Bell Biv DeVoe
• Fly As Me – Bruno Mars
• Every Little Thing I Do – Soul For Real
• Trade It All, Pt. 2 (feat. P. Diddy & Jagged Edge) – Fabolous
• Back & Forth – Aaliyah
• How Do U Want It (feat. K-Ci & JoJo) – 2Pac
• My Prerogative – Bobby Brown
• Candy – Cameo
• If I Ever Fall In Love – Shai
• If You Love Me – Brownstone
• You Make Me Wanna… – Usher
• I Can Love You Like That – All-4-One
• Exhale (Shoop Shoop) (from Waiting to Exhale – Original Soundtrack) – Whitney Houston
• Good Girls – Joe
• Sittin’ Up In My Room – Brandy

Playlist image by Jason Leung on Unsplash