20 R&B classics for an essential Valentine's Day playlist

R&B crooner Joe has been one of the most consistent artists since the early '90s. His love songs are always perfect for hopeless romantics. His 1999 single "I Wanna Know" did just that, as he sings about how he's better than the last man his girl had. 

The one thing that always stands out about D’Angelo is his perfect ability to appeal to both old-school and modern R&B audiences. He worked with singer-songwriter Raphael Saadiq on his 1996 hit “Lady” as the essential ode to claiming his lady and telling the world.

One of Tevin Campbell’s biggest hits, “Can We Talk” is more about crushing on someone and attempting to go after the chase. He may be shy at first, but he wants to build the courage to speak up when he gets another chance.

There’s no doubt that Jodeci will go down as one of the best R&B groups of all time. Not only could the group give fans a party anthem, but it also could provide timeless love songs. “Forever My Lady” is the perfect ode to not only declare one’s love but also to let your girl know about your excitement to start a future family.

Mary J. Blige is known for getting listeners through the toughest times like love and heartbreak. On “Real Love,” Blige makes a testament that she realized her past lover wasn’t “the one,” but she’s opening her heart again to someone who deserves it.

Valentine’s Day isn’t always about spending time with a loved one. Sometimes it’s a day to realize how much you miss a past love and want it back. Mariah Carey was determined to showcase her plea on her 2005 hit “We Belong Together.” If you have a chance to fight for your love, this is the song to help you through it.

Tamia realizes she found the love of her life on “So Into You.” It’s the type of song underscoring that when you can’t believe how much you’re enamored by a person, it can sometimes leave you speechless.

Let’s say you’re in an independent mode and not looking for love, but sometimes love can show up even if you’re not expecting it. Groove Theory’s “Tell Me” details how love can show up at any time, but if you’re willing to accept it, love could be a beautiful bliss.

When Janet Jackson released her fifth album, "janet.," in 1993, the world saw a more sexier side to the singer. Her newfound image and sound was evident on her hit “That’s The Way Love Goes” which is all about having a love-making night with that special someone. Valentine’s Day approved.

Valentine’s Day may seem lonely for some people, causing them to reminisce about a past relationship. Frank Ocean’s “Thinkin Bout You” is the perfect tune for when you may still have feelings for an ex and wonder if the feelings are mutual.

Amerie came on the scene in the early 2000s with her summertime hit “Why Don’t We Fall in Love.” Her debut single is the perfect track for letting someone know you want to take your relationship to the next level.

Anita Baker can make songs that are perfect for slow dancing and two-stepping. Her 1986 hit “Sweet Love” accomplishes both as she sings about how amazing falling in love can feel.

Boyz II Men is not only one of the best-selling groups of the ‘90s, but also of all time. The group’s effortless harmonies can easily put a listener’s mind at ease. Their 1994 hit “I’ll Make Love To You” tells the story of how to have a romantic night at home with your lover.

One of the original bad boys of R&B, Bobby Brown had one of his biggest hits of 1988 with “Roni.” It’s the perfect track telling that once you find the one, don’t let them go.

Although Miguel released one of his biggest hits to date back in 2012, “Adorn” could arguably be classified as one of the best R&B songs ever created. The song’s title alone easily can grab a listener, simply because it’s a word that’s hardly ever used. Miguel believes in showering that special someone with all his love.

Although LL Cool J is a rapper, his hit song “Hey Lover” could easily be established as a smooth R&B track. With featured vocals from Boyz II Men, LL Cool J is not afraid to tell someone that his feelings are stronger than just a crush.

One of the standout tracks to Musiq Soulchild’s debut album is properly titled “Love.” Musiq is raving about how he longs for love and is sometimes fearful of it. However, once he finds it, he wants to hold on to it forever.

A love jam as a duet between two of the smoothest R&B voices in the land, Eric Benét and Tamia complement each other well on “Spend My Life With You” as they trade verses about spending forever with the one they love. 

Stevie Wonder released his hit love song “Ribbon In The Sky” in 1982. Stevie is telling his mate that their love was written in the stars, and he wants everyone to see it.

The Gap Band’s hit song “Yearning For Your Love” was released nearly four decades ago; however, it’s one of those timeless tracks that is sure to be played on Valentine's Day and for anniversary celebrations and weddings. The group sings about how time is of the essence and of the need for taking love a step further.