R&B Wants To Make Pop Music Fun Again | Defector

"R&B in the 21st century has been in a constant state of flux, tugged between safe traditionalism and blurry attempts at progression. For the last decade-plus that "progression" has seen R&B music become more indebted to trap records and the moody atmospherics of alternative bands like Radiohead, Coldplay, or My Bloody Valentine."

"The production has gotten less dark and moody, more bouncy and sunny. Not so much music for the lonely drive to or from the next/last regrettable hookup, but more music for the actual club, party, or cookout. Recent examples include all the jams on Amber Mark's latest album, viral hits from Olivia Dean and Tyla."

"Faiyaz has always been misunderstood. The velvety crooner writes about desire and connection through a millennial lens, but tends to be dismissed as "fuckboy" music—which to be fair it is, but also do fuckboys not have feelings too?"

Contemporary R&B has oscillated between traditionalism and experimental progression, increasingly incorporating trap elements and alternative atmospherics from artists like Radiohead and My Bloody Valentine. This evolution produced both innovative work and stale imitations, with much channeled into "Toxic R&B"—a subgenre featuring male singers crooning about relationship failures while mimicking rap's machismo. However, recent developments signal a significant shift. Production has become less dark and moody, favoring bouncy, sunny soundscapes designed for clubs, parties, and cookouts rather than introspective solitude. Notable examples include Amber Mark's recent album, viral successes from Olivia Dean and Tyla, and the resurgence of R&B-influenced pop through artists like Dijon and Mk.gee. Brent Faiyaz exemplifies this transformation, moving beyond his "fuckboy" reputation toward more mature artistic expression.

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