The top 10 Canadian R&B songs of 2023
Sultry tunes from Daniel Caesar, Charlotte Day Wilson and more shone this year
The smooth, sultry sounds of R&B soundtracked our love lives this year. Whether you were pining after an old flame, falling for a new one, or simply practicing self-love, Canadian R&B artists had a song for each moment.
Musicians such as Majid Jordan and Justin Nozuka offered up reflective slow jams, while Jessie Reyez released what might be her most sensual single yet. A mix of soft tracks and bold ballads, these are the top 10 R&B songs of 2023.
10. 'Still,' Idman
"Still" is an emotionally packed, candid single that also works as a great gateway into the rising Toronto R&B artist's work. (Songs You Need to Hear, June 28)
9. 'Waiting for You,' Majid Jordan feat. Naomi Sharon
OVO Sound labelmates Sharon and Majid Jordan collaborated on this R&B slow jam that will smolder in your head for days. It's one of the silkier tracks on Majid Jordan's most recent album, Good People.
8. 'Antidote,' Chiiild
A song about infatuation, wrapped in layers of guitar and the warmth of Chiiild's compelling vocals — a standout from the Montreal R&B singer's 2023 album, Better Luck in the Next Life.
7. 'Stranger,' RealestK
"Stranger" is a spare internal monologue, but nothing more is needed for this tender outpouring as RealestK's solo voice reverberates in the echo chamber of his broken heart, with only an electric piano to keep the pulse. (Songs You Need to Hear, Sept. 20)
6. 'What's the Point,' Justin Nozuka
Nozuka's voice feels weightless on the opening number of his album Daydreams & Endless Nights, as he shakes off all his problems and realizes, "That I can just be free/ by just being me."
5. 'Forever,' Charlotte Day Wilson feat. Snoh Aalegra
"Forever" is a sparsely layered smattering of ambient sounds, held together by an interpolation of the Foundations' track "Baby, Now That I Found You" while Wilson and R&B vocalist Snoh Aalegra question if they can keep trying to hold on to their love interests. (Songs You Need to Hear, Aug. 30)
4. 'World in My Hands,' Lavi$h
"World in My Hands" is an effusive outpouring of pride and joy — a celebration of those moments in life, however fleeting, when things are going your way. (Songs You Need to Hear, March 22)
3. 'Jeans,' Jessie Reyez feat. Miguel
Over simple acoustic guitar chords, Jessie Reyez explores her sensual side and details all the ways her new love interest entices her, from their gorgeous face to their prowess in the bedroom. (Songs You Need to Hear, Aug. 23)
2. 'Hello,' Aqyila
After exploding onto the Canadian music scene a few years ago, Aqyila further solidified herself as an artist to watch with the introspective and empowering track "Hello," from her debut EP.
1.'Always,' Daniel Caesar
When Caesar sings a vulnerable love ballad, he creates magic. On "Always," he proclaims to an ex that he'll wait for them: "I don't want things to change/ I pray they stay the same, always," he admits on the chorus. His soulful vocals are syrupy with affection, as he promises to hold out hope that the relationship might bloom again. A highlight is the stunning outro that showcases Caesar's soaring, wistful falsetto. For anyone still longing after a past love, it's the song that offers a glimmer of hope and a dash of romanticism.