smooth R&B

Smooth R&B is a subgenre of rhythm and blues emphasizing polished production, mellow tempos, and romantic themes.

Emerging in the 1980s and dominant through the 1990s, it features silky vocals over lush arrangements with synthesizers, drum machines, and understated grooves.

Artists like Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, and Keith Sweat exemplify the style: We put on some smooth R&B and opened a bottle of wine.