From their ‘Greatest Singers Ever‘ and ‘Top 200 Songs of the 80s‘ to the ‘Top 15 Rap Songs of 2023‘ and beyond, Rolling Stone is no stranger to getting collective side-eyes from music lovers for their polarizing rankings on “best-ever” tallies.

And, if the response to one of their latest lists is any indication, that criticism won’t be stopping any time soon.

Turning heads this week with the unveiling of the ‘100 Best R&B Songs of the 21st Century,’ the lineup featured some expected entries in unexpected positions alongside some downright shocking placements and omissions.

Did your fave make the top 20? See the full list inside.

With over 15 million copies (and counting) sold worldwide, Usher‘s fourth LP – 2004’s ‘Confessions‘ – towers as the century’s best-selling R&B album.  As such, it comes as little surprise that a member from its prized tracklist would top Rolling Stone’s ranking.

However, the sequel to the set’s title track – ‘Confessions Pt. II‘ – was not the champion many expected given that ‘Yeah‘ and ‘Burn‘ were much bigger hits domestically and internationally.

“‘Confessions Pt II’ set a new standard for 21st-century R&B thanks to its emotional depth, vivid narrative (inspired by co-writer/producer Jermaine Dupri’s real-life situation), and Usher’s convincing vocal performance,” the mag relayed in its write-up. “…the record blended poignant storytelling that blurred the lines of celebrity gossip and personal narrative, with a sultry sonic landscape that foreshadowed the explosion of Atlanta trap music.”

Nothing to shake a stick at, however, the tell-all tune – written by Ush, JD, and Bryan-Michael Cox – was a sizable smash in its own right as it reigned over the Hot 100 for two weeks at the height of its popularity.

Look below to see the megahits it beat out.

Rolling Stone’s 100 Best R&B Songs of the 21st Century

20 – Michael Jackson (‘You Rock My World’)
19 – SZA (‘Snooze’)
18 – Solange (‘Cranes in the Sky’)
17 – Toni Braxton (‘He Wasn’t Man Enough’)
16 – Maxwell (‘Pretty Wings’)
15 – Aaliyah (‘Rock the Boat’)
14 – Beyonce (‘Love on Top’)
13 – Daniel Caesar & H.E.R. (‘Best Part’)
12 – Pharrell & JAY-Z (‘Frontin’)
11 – Miguel (‘Adorn’)
10 – Brandy (‘Full Moon’)
9 – Erykah Badu (‘Bag Lady’)
8 – John Legend (‘Ordinary People’)
7 – Alicia Keys (‘Fallin’)
6 – Frank Ocean (‘Thinkin Bout You’)
5 – Mariah Carey (‘We Belong Together’)
4 – Mary J. Blige (‘Be Without You’)
3 – Beyonce (‘Dangerously In Love Pt. 2’)
2 – D’Angelo (‘Untitled: How Does It Feel’)
1 – Usher (‘Confessions Pt. 2’)

Click here to see the full 100.

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