8 Essential Alt-R&B Songs for Your Playlist

26 June 2026

The boundaries between R&B, soul, indie-R&B and pop are increasingly getting blurred. And there’s so much new music within that spectrum. So, for our latest roundup, we’ll simply use the label ‘alt-R&B’.

Selected below are 8 recently released songs, with styles ranging from moody bedroom R&B to hip hop-leaning neo-soul.

Afta Hill – “MOST WANTED”

Toronto-based multi-hyphenate Afta Hill recently shared a single called “MOST WANTED”. It’s a pop R&B track with a dark, cinematic soundscape. The production combines crisp hip-hop drums with string melodies and an immersive bassline. Hill’s lyrics are drenched in emotion, his delivery equally as passionate. I can’t get enough of this song.

Follow Afta Hill: Instagram

Gracie Ella – “I.D.T.Y.L.M”

“I.D.T.Y.L.M” by Canadian singer-songwriter Gracie Ella is a beautifully crafted fusion of contemporary R&B and indie-R&B. The song’s title is an acronym for ‘I don’t think you love me’, pointing to the broody lyrics. Ella delves into the kind of frustrations and vulnerability that comes with loving someone whose actions inflict emotional pain. Still, the track feels bright and mildly groovy.

Follow Gracie Ella: Instagram

Rory x BLK ODYSSY x Lucky Daye – “Still Be Mine”

Podcaster/musician Rory presents “Still Be Mine”, a new song created in collaboration with BLK ODYSSY and Lucky Daye. The smooth neo-soul track is characterized by warm basslines, velvety vocals and creamy melodies. “Still Be Mine” arrived paired with a cinematic music video. The song is out through Avant Garden.

Follow on Instagram: Rory | BLK ODYSSY | Lucky Daye

Karim Panzetta – “Bleeding”

Karim Panzetta is one of the rising artists who are building an audience around their genre-bending styles. He writes, sings and produces. Karim’s newest song “Bleeding” features a brilliant fusion of R&B, hip hop and pop. The song really captivating, from the catchy hook to the vulnerable lyrics. I like how the artist blends emotion with melodies to deliver a song worth playing on repeat.

Follow Karim Panzetta: Instagram

LATASHÁ – “Wave”

Emerging artist LATASHÁ embodies unbridled creativity. The artist and producer is always pushing the envelope; her fusion of hip hop and electronic music is really impressive. You should listen to her latest release, “Wave”. A hip hop song wrapped in soulful melodies, “Wave” is an exhibition of top-class lyricism, smooth flows and experimental production. LATASHÁ says “‘WAVE’ is a manifestation song I wrote to get myself through really hard moments. I still play it when I need to remember that I can ride what’s happening instead of letting it drown me.“

Follow LATASHÁ: Instagram

Albert Gold – “Colour”

UK’s Albert Gold is gifted with a powerful voice and expressive musicianship. Listening to his music is always an uplifting experience. “Colour”, the most recent single from the artist, is especially beautiful. I love the various elements, from the bass guitar to the captivating horn melodies. “Colour” is so smooth, you can play it over and over again. The track is out through Wipe Out Music.

Follow Albert Gold: Instagram

The Mighty Pines – “Juniper”

The Mighty Pines are an American band led by The Voice Season 23 contestant Neil Salsich. Although the St. Louis-based band’s style is a roots/Americana, their latest single “Juniper” leans heavily towards soul. The song combines elements from rock and soul. “Juniper” features heartwarming lyrics and offers quite pleasant listening experience.

Follow The Mighty Pines: Instagram

Nicky MacKenzie – “Lost and Found”

“Lost and Found” is the soulful lead single of Nicky MacKenzie’s new EP, Morals. Nicky is a rising US singer hailing from Salt Spring Island. The EP is a collection of introspective, honesty-driven songs. “Lost and Found” is simply moving. “‘Lost and Found’ is about the feeling after the party, when all the lights and noise have died down, and all you have is yourself and your loud thoughts,” Nicky shares. “It’s the lonely feeling of realizing you’ve been acting willingly delusional, and you’re aware of the fact that you still want a distraction from yourself.”

Follow Nicky MacKenzie: Instagram