1981 was that year. Not just because Reagan moved into the White House or MTV was still a few months away from launching—but because R&B and soul music were in full bloom. Black artists were shaping the soundtrack of a generation, blending funk, romance, and real-life soul into songs that made you dance, cry, or fall in love. Whether you were rollerskating on a Saturday night, posted up at a backyard barbecue, or slow-dancing in the dark, these songs were the heartbeat of the culture.
Back then, radio DJs actually curated the vibe. Your favorite record store clerk knew what time it was. And if you were lucky, you had a big cousin or a cool aunt who passed down albums like sacred scrolls. These weren’t just hits—they were moments. Every 45 or cassette told a story. And the streets, clubs, and house parties knew every lyric by heart. The rhythms were thick with funk, the vocals had grit and grace, and the style? Unmistakable.
This list right here? It ain’t just numbers on a page—it’s a celebration. A look back at 20 R&B and soul singles from 1981 that defined the sound of the time and still hold weight today. But before we jump into the list, let’s show love to the honorable mentions that came close and still deserve a shout:
Honorable Mentions:
“Heartbreak Hotel” by The Jacksons – dark, edgy, and ahead of its time.
“Pull Up To The Bumper” by Grace Jones – funky, bold, and unapologetic.
“Two Hearts” by Stephanie Mills – pure vocal power.
“Thighs High (Grip Your Hips and Move)” by Tom Browne – groove so deep, it’ll pull you in.
“Freaky Dancin’” by Cameo – another banger with that signature Cameo strut.
Now, let’s get into the Top 20.
20. “Being With You” – Smokey Robinson
Smooth like aged whiskey, Smokey’s “Being With You” is a masterclass in grown-folks romance. His falsetto floats through a mid-tempo groove, telling a story of love that defies outside noise. Smokey didn’t just survive the ‘70s—he adapted and thrived.
19. “Burn Rubber (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)” – The Gap Band
From that explosive intro to Charlie Wilson’s raw delivery, this track is pure fire. It’s funky, frantic, and filled with heartbreak masked as a party anthem. A breakup never sounded so damn danceable.
18. “I’m In Love” – Evelyn King
Evelyn “Champagne” King came through with this bubbling, synth-heavy track that was made for mirrorball moments. It’s that perfect mix of vulnerability and groove—where disco meets deep soul.
17. “Lady (You Bring Me Up)” – Commodores
Before Lionel Richie went full pop solo, he blessed us with this feel-good jam. “Lady” is upbeat, romantic, and irresistibly catchy. It’s like joy bottled in a bassline.
16. “Love On A Two Way Street” – Stacy Lattisaw
She was just a teenager, but Stacy Lattisaw sang like she’d lived a lifetime. Her version of this heartbreak classic is haunting and tender. A quiet storm staple for real.
15. “Don’t Stop The Music” – Yarbrough and Peoples
This jam right here? Unskippable. A synth-funk anthem that’s been sampled, flipped, and loved ever since. It doesn’t just tell you not to stop the music—it makes sure you don’t.
14. “Whatcha Gonna Do For Me” – Chaka Khan
Chaka doesn’t ask—she demands. Wrapped in jazzy funk production, this track is a soulful confrontation in the best way. Her vocals are razor-sharp yet honey-smooth. A queen doing queen things.
13. “She’s A Bad Mama Jama” – Carl Carlton
You knew from the title this was going to hit. Funky bass, swaggered-out lyrics, and that iconic hook? Instant classic. It’s still the soundtrack to every family reunion catwalk.
12. “Slow Hand” – The Pointer Sisters
This one goes out to the grown and sexy. “Slow Hand” is sultry, deliberate, and tender—unapologetically feminine in its power. The Pointer Sisters nailed the slow-burn vibe.
11. “A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do)” – Ray Parker Jr.
Ray dropped some hard truths here. It’s smooth and catchy but cuts deep, flipping the script on double standards. A cautionary tale with a two-step beat.
10. “Sukiyaki” – A Taste of Honey
A Japanese ballad reimagined with a soulful twist. The vocals are dreamy, and the arrangement is lush. It’s a reminder that soul knows no borders.
9. “Give It To Me Baby” – Rick James
Rick was in his bag. Funky, raunchy, and impossible not to dance to. This one still turns heads and hips every time it drops. Punk-funk royalty.
8. “Fantastic Voyage” – Lakeside
Hop aboard the mothership. “Fantastic Voyage” is a funk-fueled escapade—Afrofuturistic, groovy, and wild. Lakeside gave us more than a song; they gave us a whole trip.
7. “Double Dutch Bus” – Frankie Smith
Now this was a cultural moment. With its playful slang and funky shuffle, this track captured street life with humor and bounce. It’s the definition of fun with flavor.
6. “Master Blaster (Jammin’)” – Stevie Wonder
Stevie pays homage to Bob Marley with this reggae-soul fusion that’s all love and liberation. The groove is infectious, and the message? Timeless. Music as medicine.
5. “Heartbeat” – Taana Gardner
This underground favorite pulsed through New York clubs and shaped early house music. It’s sensual, moody, and hypnotic. A true dancer’s delight.
4. “Square Biz” – Teena Marie
Teena was that white girl who got it. Funky, fearless, and fully fluent in the language of soul. Her rap in the middle? Iconic. “Square Biz” is everything cool about the early ‘80s.
3. “Endless Love” – Diana Ross & Lionel Richie
One of the greatest love duets of all time. Diana and Lionel poured pure emotion into this ballad. It’s been played at weddings, proms, and tearful goodbyes for over four decades.
2. “Just The Two Of Us” – Grover Washington Jr. & Bill Withers
Smooth jazz meets soul perfection. Bill Withers’ voice? Comforting like a warm blanket. Grover’s saxophone? Magic. This one feels like Sunday morning and deep conversation.
1. “Celebration” – Kool & The Gang
The anthem of 1981. Of joy. Of unity. You can’t hear it without smiling. It still plays at every wedding, graduation, and family function for a reason. A perfect closer to a perfect year in Black music.
R&B and soul in 1981 weren’t just genres—they were lifelines. These songs soundtracked joy, pain, resilience, and love. The messages still hit. The grooves still move us. And the artists? Legends, all of them.
Music like this doesn’t fade—it echoes. You hear it in today’s samples, in playlists curated by folks who know, and in the memories we carry. Whether you were around when these dropped or discovered them later, they hit with the same power.
And there you have it! Let me know what you think about this list. How many of your favorites made this list? Drop it in the comments and tag a friend who enjoys topics like this!