Back in 1989, if you had a boombox on your shoulder, a jheri curl activator in your bag, and a cassette tape labeled “Slow Jams + Club Vibes” in your pocket, chances are—you already know what time it was. That year wasn’t just the end of a decade; it was the high-water mark of a golden era in R&B and soul music. And baby, when I say these records still hit just as hard today? Believe that. This was the soundtrack to roller rink crushes, school dances, and house parties where your auntie cooked neckbones in the kitchen while you practiced your two-step in the living room.
See, 1989 gave us a soulful gumbo of uptempo grooves, tender ballads, and street-savvy jams. It was a year where R&B and soul weren’t just chart-topping—they were culture-shaping. The lines between R&B, New Jack Swing, soul, and pop blurred in all the best ways. Artists were experimenting with sounds, embracing hip-hop elements, and delivering performances that still give us chills. Whether you were in the club, the crib, or cruising down Crenshaw or Stony Island, this music made you feel something.
Now, as a lifelong music head who grew up with a 45 crate in the corner and BET’s “Video Soul” on every evening, putting this list together was no small task. Some of y’all gon’ say I left a few out—and you might be right! But these 20 tracks? These were the anthems. The hits that had the cookout dancing, the radio blasting, and the world watching Black excellence in its prime. But first, let’s give props to the tracks that almost cracked the list.
Honorable Mentions:
There were just too many bangers in ’89 to keep it to only 20. So before we get into the main event, let’s pour one out for the smooth and soulful: “So Good” by Al Jarreau, “Turned Away” by Chuckii Booker, “Batdance” by Prince (because only he could mix funk, pop, and Batman), “Friends” by Jody Watley featuring Eric B. & Rakim, “Let Go” by Sharon Bryant, “Shower Me With Your Love” by Surface, “Congratulations” by Vesta, “Love Saw It” by Karyn White and Babyface, “Everything I Miss At Home” by Cherrelle, “Smooth Criminal” by Michael Jackson, “Miss You Like Crazy” by Natalie Cole, “It’s No Crime” by Babyface, and Stephanie Mills’ “Something In The Way You Make Me Feel.” Now that’s a playlist in itself.
Now, let’s count down the 20 most iconic R&B and soul singles of 1989 — the songs that defined the year and left a lasting imprint on our musical history.
20. “I Like” – Guy
This New Jack Swing classic introduced a new kind of groove—slick, streetwise, and sensual. Teddy Riley, Aaron Hall, and Timmy Gatling came in strong, with swagger to match. “I Like” was the joint you played when you saw that fine girl across the party and needed to let her know without saying a word.
19. “Dial My Heart” – The Boys
These young cats had a whole generation of teen girls screaming. With their catchy hooks and youthful energy, The Boys showed that R&B wasn’t just a grown folks’ game. “Dial My Heart” was a wholesome bop with enough bounce to make it a mainstay on any tape deck.
18. “Secret Rendezvous” – Karyn White
Karyn White had the cool, the voice, and the attitude. “Secret Rendezvous” was flirty and funky, perfect for a late-night ride with the windows cracked and the bass thumping. She made sneaking around sound like a smooth adventure.
17. “Teddy’s Jam” – Guy
No vocals needed—just raw, head-nodding funk. Teddy Riley was the architect of New Jack Swing, and this instrumental groove showed how hard the beat could ride without anyone even singing. This track was played in every club, parking lot, and skating rink from coast to coast.
16. “Baby Come To Me” – Regina Belle
Regina Belle’s voice? Butter. This song was one of those slow jams you played when you were in your feelings, and you knew good and well you messed up. Her vocals wrapped around your heart and wouldn’t let go. Smooth, classy, timeless.
15. “Roni” – Bobby Brown
Bobby had the fellas rethinking how they treated their “tenderonis.” This tender love ballad hit different—soft, yet strong. The vocals were vulnerable, the production was polished, and it made slow dancing in the basement a sacred ritual.
14. “The Way You Love Me” – Karyn White
She slid back into the countdown with this energetic anthem that had women feeling empowered and sexy at the same time. Karyn knew how to ride that upbeat groove and still keep it feminine and bold.
13. “On Our Own” – Bobby Brown
The Ghostbusters II soundtrack wasn’t even the point—this jam stood on its own. Funky, catchy, and a little quirky, Bobby made it clear: he could hold it down solo and keep dropping hits like confetti.
12. “Real Love” – Jody Watley
Jody always served up poise and attitude. “Real Love” was for the grown and stylish—those who weren’t about games, just looking for the real deal. A track with a message that still resonates, dressed in funky synths and a fashion-forward vibe.
11. “Dreamin’” – Vanessa Williams
Vanessa proved she wasn’t just a beauty queen—she had pipes. “Dreamin’” was the kind of slow jam that took its time, caressed your spirit, and left you humming it for days. A perfect blend of elegance and soul.
10. “Miss You Much” – Janet Jackson
Janet was un-touchable in ’89. With choreography for days and a beat that wouldn’t quit, “Miss You Much” was Janet at her most dynamic. She made missing someone feel like a dance revolution—and we all joined in.
9. “Don’t Make Me Over” – Sybil
A powerful remake with a punchy, soulful delivery. Sybil brought a gospel-tinged intensity to this Burt Bacharach classic, turning it into a dancefloor ballad that demanded respect and recognition.
8. “Keep On Movin’” – Soul II Soul (featuring Caron Wheeler)
This UK-based collective delivered a track so smooth and grounded it felt like it came straight from Harlem or Oakland. Caron Wheeler’s voice glided over the beat like silk, reminding us to push forward through life’s ups and downs.
7. “Can You Stand The Rain” – New Edition
Let’s be real—this was wedding slow dance material and a test of real love. Ricky, Ralph, and the fellas harmonized like no one’s business. A slow jam with emotional depth that still gives folks chills today.
6. “Girl You Know It’s True” – Milli Vanilli
Now look—say what you want about the lip-sync scandal, but this song was everywhere. It had a hook you couldn’t deny and a beat that made your body move. Before the fall, they had the charts in a chokehold.
5. “Giving You The Best That I Got” – Anita Baker
The grown folks’ queen herself. Anita’s voice felt like Sunday morning and late-night love. This was for the real ones in relationships, riding through hard times but still showing up with love.
4. “Straight Up” – Paula Abdul
A crossover smash with sass, swing, and style. Paula gave us attitude with choreography, making it cool for R&B and pop to flirt on the same track. That hook still slaps.
3. “Every Little Step” – Bobby Brown
This one had flavor. From the beat to Bobby’s nasal vocals and that iconic dance routine—“Every Little Step” was a whole vibe. You couldn’t escape it, and truthfully, you didn’t want to.
2. “Superwoman” – Karyn White
Anthem status. Women belted it, men respected it, and everybody felt the power. Karyn told the truth and made sure the world knew she was holding it down—but not forever without love.
1. “My Prerogative” – Bobby Brown
This right here? This was Bobby in full boss mode. Attitude, confidence, and one of the hardest New Jack beats ever put to wax. “My Prerogative” wasn’t just a song—it was a statement. Bobby didn’t just own 1989. He dominated it.
And there you have it! The definitive countdown of the most iconic R&B/Soul singles from 1989. These songs weren’t just hits—they were cultural moments. They reflected who we were, what we loved, and how we moved. They held us down through joy, heartbreak, late-night slow dances, and sun-drenched block parties.
To this day, you can drop any of these joints at a cookout, family reunion, or queer bar on a Friday night and watch folks lose their minds like it’s 1989 all over again. These songs lived, and they still live inside of us.
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!
Turn the volume up. The legacy continues.
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20 Most Iconic R&B/Soul Music Singles of 1989
A Celebration of a Golden Year in Black Music History
1989 was a landmark year for R&B and soul music. As the final chapter of an unforgettable decade, it produced some of the most memorable, influential, and emotionally resonant singles that continue to shape Black musical culture today. The blend of old-school soul, new jack swing, pop, and emerging hip-hop elements created a sound that was both deeply rooted and forward-looking. Whether you were slow dancing in a living room, driving through your city’s streets, or enjoying a backyard gathering with family and friends, these songs played a major part in the soundtrack of everyday life.
This was a year when artists didn’t just top charts—they inspired style, language, dance, and culture. The music of 1989 reflected the joy, heartbreak, ambition, and individuality of Black America with passion and polish. It was expressive, confident, and dynamic. Each single on this list brought something new to the table, from powerful vocal performances to cutting-edge production that would set the tone for the early 1990s.
As someone who has spent a lifetime appreciating music from every genre and corner of the country—from Kansas to California, Illinois to New York—I believe this curated list represents the best of what R&B and soul had to offer in 1989. Before we dive into the Top 20, let’s take a moment to recognize some exceptional songs that just missed the cut but absolutely deserve our respect.
Honorable Mentions:
“So Good” – Al Jarreau, “Turned Away” – Chuckii Booker, “Batdance” – Prince, “Friends” – Jody Watley (featuring Eric B. & Rakim), “Let Go” – Sharon Bryant, “Shower Me With Your Love” – Surface, “Congratulations” – Vesta, “Love Saw It” – Karyn White (featuring Babyface), “Everything I Miss At Home” – Cherrelle, “Smooth Criminal” – Michael Jackson, “Miss You Like Crazy” – Natalie Cole, “It’s No Crime” – Babyface, “Something In The Way You Make Me Feel” – Stephanie Mills.
The Top 20 R&B/Soul Singles of 1989:
20. “I Like” – Guy
This was a standout example of the new jack swing sound that dominated the late ’80s. With tight production and a smooth, rhythmic groove, Guy introduced a bold and stylish energy. This song captured a sense of cool confidence that resonated with listeners everywhere.
19. “Dial My Heart” – The Boys
A youthful, upbeat track that brought teen voices to the forefront of R&B. “Dial My Heart” had catchy melodies, a memorable chorus, and just enough sophistication in its production to appeal to both young fans and adults.
18. “Secret Rendezvous” – Karyn White
This song was a confident expression of romance and excitement, built around an energetic groove and White’s charismatic delivery. It was fun, flirtatious, and a testament to her versatility as a performer.
17. “Teddy’s Jam” – Guy
An instrumental track that helped define a genre. Teddy Riley’s production on “Teddy’s Jam” was full of rhythm and innovation, offering a danceable, electronic funk that showed how far R&B production had evolved.
16. “Baby Come To Me” – Regina Belle
This heartfelt ballad showcased Belle’s warm, soulful voice and her ability to deliver emotional depth. It was a favorite among fans of classic slow jams and remains one of her signature performances.
15. “Roni” – Bobby Brown
With “Roni,” Bobby Brown demonstrated a softer side, delivering a tender love ballad with emotional honesty. The lyrics and melody created a powerful connection with listeners, especially during romantic moments.
14. “The Way You Love Me” – Karyn White
An uptempo anthem full of energy and charm. Karyn White expressed strength and joy in this track, with production that balanced both funk and pop influences. It was a perfect match for her assertive vocal delivery.
13. “On Our Own” – Bobby Brown
From the Ghostbusters II soundtrack, this track proved that Bobby Brown could combine entertainment with skill. It was catchy, confident, and a testament to his ability to deliver chart-topping hits across different platforms.
12. “Real Love” – Jody Watley
Jody Watley delivered a strong message about relationships in this danceable yet emotional track. “Real Love” had style and substance, encouraging listeners to expect honesty and depth in their partnerships.
11. “Dreamin’” – Vanessa Williams
Vanessa Williams’ breakthrough ballad, “Dreamin’,” was graceful and full of longing. Her voice soared over the elegant arrangement, earning her respect as both a pop and R&B vocalist with real staying power.
10. “Miss You Much” – Janet Jackson
Janet Jackson continued her reign with this high-energy hit that combined choreography, attitude, and heartfelt emotion. “Miss You Much” was more than a song—it was a full visual and musical experience that cemented her icon status.
9. “Don’t Make Me Over” – Sybil
A modern reinterpretation of a classic, Sybil brought soulful urgency to this cover, creating a connection with a new generation. Her vocal delivery was commanding, and the production gave the song a fresh, contemporary pulse.
8. “Keep On Movin’” – Soul II Soul (featuring Caron Wheeler)
This transatlantic gem blended R&B, soul, and house influences with a strong message of perseverance. Caron Wheeler’s vocals were rich and inspiring, and the song’s laid-back groove offered comfort and clarity.
7. “Can You Stand The Rain” – New Edition
A deeply emotional ballad that highlighted the group’s vocal talents and maturity. It was about loyalty, patience, and true love—concepts that resonated with anyone looking for something real in their relationships.
6. “Girl You Know It’s True” – Milli Vanilli
Despite later controversy, this song was a major hit in 1989. Its catchy hook, rhythmic flow, and danceable beat made it one of the year’s most recognizable singles, showing the power of crossover appeal.
5. “Giving You The Best That I Got” – Anita Baker
Anita Baker’s voice delivered comfort and sophistication. This track felt like a warm embrace, and its lyrics about commitment and support made it a wedding favorite and a timeless ballad of love.
4. “Straight Up” – Paula Abdul
This single brought together pop and R&B in an exciting and stylish way. Paula Abdul’s performance was sharp, energetic, and confident. “Straight Up” proved that she had more than just dance moves—she had hit-making potential.
3. “Every Little Step” – Bobby Brown
With its catchy chorus and memorable beat, this track was one of Bobby’s most successful and beloved singles. It had strong musicality and a sense of fun that made it popular with a wide range of audiences.
2. “Superwoman” – Karyn White
“Superwoman” was a powerful anthem of emotional honesty and empowerment. Karyn White’s delivery captured the struggle and strength of a woman trying to hold it all together. It was both a confession and a declaration.
1. “My Prerogative” – Bobby Brown
This defining single from Bobby Brown was unapologetic and bold. With its heavy beat and rebellious lyrics, “My Prerogative” was a personal and musical statement that resonated with anyone determined to live on their own terms. It was the peak of Brown’s solo success and a landmark moment in R&B history.
And there you have it! The 20 most iconic R&B and soul singles of 1989—songs that shaped our experiences, reflected our emotions, and defined an entire era of Black musical excellence.
These records were more than just entertainment. They were cultural milestones that helped shape how we loved, danced, dressed, and connected with one another. Even today, they remain powerful reminders of a year that gave us some of the best music ever recorded.
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!