Listen to good music.
What is good music? What does it sound like? In 2026, listen to music that feeds your soul, makes you want to dance and feels good. With a dash of lover girl tunes, too, of course!
I’ve curated a few artists and songs that I think need to be on your playlist this year!
Let’s Get Into It
Kaytranada
By now, if you haven’t noticed from my Instagram posts, I love me some Kaytranada!
He’s a Montreal prouder that makes the coolest electronic house music I’ve ever heard. He’s my icon.
I’ve seen Kaytranada perform THREE times and I have LOVED every single performance!
His music makes me feel good, free, and just takes me to a space of peace.
(A FEW) My favorite Kaytranada songs:
- 1. “Vivid Dreams” featuring River Tiber
- 2. “September 21”
- 3. “Space Invader”
- 4. “DO IT! (AGAIN!)” – featuring TLC
- 5. “Culture” featuring Teedra Moses
- 6. “Pressure”
- 7. “Chances” featuring Shay Lia
And that’s just a few!
Kehlani
My R&B hottie 4life>
Been a Kehlani fan since “You Should Be Here”. Kehlani is one of those artists I’ve seen grow over the years, from new relationships to breakups, to growth, to new relationships to breakups.
One thing about this artist they always express their music in such a real way. I feel like when I am listening to Kehlani, they are giving me a realistic expression of what is happening in their life, but using art to show it.
Top 7 Kehlani songs:
- “Form of You” featuring CHILDOFNINES, DESTIN CONRAD
- “Un(folded)”
- “everything”
- “Yet”
- “Change Your Life” featuring Jhene Aiko
- “Piece of Mind”
- “Ballin’”
Leon Thomas
If you’re looking for some R&B to get into this year, Leon Thomas is THAT GUY.
I grew up watching him on the Nickelodeon show “Victorious” seeing him grow as an artist over the years and finally reaching his stardom is pretty iconic.
Currently playing:
- “Yes It Is”
- “Lone Wolf” featuring 4Batz
- “Just How You Are”
- “My Muse”
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Erika de Casier
In my opinion, Erika makes alternative R&B; it has a different cadence than the typical R&B that has been mainstreamed.
She combines instruments and creates music that is unique, fresh, and futuristic.
Listen to
- “No Butterflies, No Nothing”
- “Home Alone”
Aaliyah
Always keeping Aaliyah in my rotation. A true artist who left this world too soon. However, her music is TIMELESS.
Currently in rotation
- “Try Again”
- “More Than A Woman”
- “One In A Million”
Rihanna
My forever favorite music hottie>
I listened to Rih since I was…. 5 or 6 years old? (Lol)
Rihanna will always have a special place in my music library. She’s the first artist I truly fell in love with besides the Cheetah Girls and Beyoncé! Lol
It’s too many songs to list, but here are my top 5 for 2026!
- “Rockstar 101” featuring Slash
- “Phresh Out the Runway”
- “Same Ol’ Mistakes”
- “Desperado”
- “Lemme Get That”
6lack
Did you know I met 6lack? I will forever cherish that moment!
Imagine meeting one of your favorite artists!!!!!!!
Did I mention he’s also releasing a new album this year?!
Anyway, if you’re seeking classic R&B with that new deep cut edge, 6lack has you covered.
Here are a few of my faves:
- “Rent Free”
- “chasing feeling”
- “Ex Calling”
- “Switch”
- “Let Her Go”
- “Cutting Ties”
- “Outside”
- “That Far”
- “Talkback”
Okay, 6lack may be my favorite male R&B singer…
10. “Scripture”
Sade
My mom played this one Sade song on repeat. Recently, I played it and yeah…. I see why.
Our Sade rotation:
- “Soldier of Love”
- “Kiss of Life”
- “The Sweetest Taboo”
Mariah The Scientist
I will say Mariah The Scientist is giving us lover girl music.
I’ve played that one song, maybe one too many times…
- “Is It A Crime” featuring Kali Uchis
- “From A Woman”
- “Always n Forever” featuring Lil Baby
DESTIN CONRAD
He makes music for the pretty girls!
If you’re seeking a sultry R&B vibe with a bit of pop influence, give DESTIN a listen.
He puts on a GREAT show as well, it’s very real, very personal and gives you that early 2000 sitcom experience where the main character goes to see the hottest new artist. Get into it, honey!
We are listening to:
- “LOW TIDE”
- “KISSING IN PUBLIC”
- “MR.E”
- “Same Mistakes” featuring Alex Isley
A lil bit of the 70s
Now and then, I dabble in the oldie but goodies. Shout out to my aunties and uncles lol!
- “For The Love of You, Pts. 1 &2” – The Isley Brothers
- “Off the Wall” – Michael Jackson
- “Lovely Day” – Bill Waters
- “Sweet Thing”- Rufus (Chaka Khan)
My 80s-themed song
One day, I heard this song and just fell in love with it!
“Everybody Wants to Rule the World” – Tears for Fears
A curated playlist made for you
Liked these vibes? Well, I made you a playlist>
Check out my “love letter to you” playlist on Apple Music!
Let’s Talk About It
What are you listening to in 2026?