4 Christian R&B Songs Your Playlist Needs

R&B is stereo-typically supposed to be about an artist singing about things that make them melancholy and have soul behind each note. It means knowing how to truly captivate listeners and get them to relate to the lyrics all the while being swayed by the melody itself. Since music is ever-evolving, the approach has changed and whether or not that is a good or bad thing simply depends on your perspective. Music is supposed to convey a story and we have the pleasure of hearing it, visualizing it, and interpreting the art and medium it's used at the end of the day. Christian R&B, a “newcomer” of sorts in the Christian stylistic choice of music, actually conveys all of that all while delivering the coming to Christ message that doesn’t deter listeners by trying to be too relatable out of fear of not being relevant. But fear not, because as luck would have it, here are four Christian R&B songs that would fit perfectly on your playlist.

The song opens with notes with runs that sound familiar to the ear “I stay out the way, I wake up I gotta pray…” but envelopes all at once with the drop of the beat. With a piano-assisted melody, this song is heartfelt. The story this song tells is about the relationship she has with God. It tells how God teaches about having “true faith” and how it has not always been an easy walk. The walk has not been easy because there are times when trusting in Him makes the enemy think it's okay to detour our love for Him and introduces or magnifies doubt, fear, and anxiety, which is everything God said He isn’t. The takeaway verse is “All I’m asking is that you would come and put some living water in my cup.”

The second track that easily transitions comes from an artist by the name Alex Jean or A.J for short. Now this took me by surprise with the immediate connection my ears tried to make to the late Pop Smoke with the bass in his voice, to the drill beat that you will find throughout this song that has been so popular in the airwaves. This song is perfect for the gym, or a brisk jog to get your motivation in high gear. The song definitely applies pressure when he croons “you said I follow the vision, I know that it’s different, but it’s better.” It speaks volumes when surrendering to God and that may very well mean giving up the version of the life you wanted for the life He has already promised. It also motivates you to be driven to treasure God and take Him at His word.

The third song hails from none other than Alia Lara, with her new single “Love Like This”. Now, this dreamy ballad gives Summer Walker and Jhene Aiko vibes, complete with a soothing voice that rides a beat with harmonies and leaves you speechless. The best way to describe this song is how you can be in a storm of difficulty but knowing that the Lord has your back. It describes the heart posture one has when going into prayer or just talking to God in general, humble and thankful. “I used to dream of a love like this” is the perfect line for summarizing what self-love means and at the same time, developing that relationship with God.

The fourth and final installment to your playlist is without a doubt going to have to be this one. Now while it is unclear about the artist who sings this as this was produced by a church. However, what I do find important is the overall message. I find that this song has a melancholy tone, quite somber but uplifting. The heart posture and character are very adamant here. It expresses how desperate one can be when needing a breakthrough in the midst of a breakdown. It is ultimately by the hope and mustard seed of faith that a person has when comes to God in this way, that is enough. While humbling themselves to even admit "I'm not enough, but just one touch is more than enough for a miracle." And really, it's enough to make you feel a change has to be made and also sway a bit.

Now that you've shuffled through your songs, repeated that one song one too many times, and decided that your playlist is in need of something different, a breath of fresh air so to speak, here's hoping that these recommendations are palatable to your ears, hearts, and minds.