Top 20 Best ’90s & ’00s R&B Slow Jams

On his masterpiece Confessions, Usher laid bare the painful reality of a slowly dying relationship. The warm acoustic guitar picking of the Jermaine Dupri production, Usher's vulnerable vocal cracks and those silky harmonies make Burn the definitive slow jam of the 2000s.

Written and produced by Babyface, Red Light Special breathes intoxicating, sultry sensuality. T-Boz's remarkably low, husky alto glides effortlessly over a languid bassline and bluesy guitar licks.

This monumental ballad spent fourteen consecutive weeks at number one in America. The fabulous four-part harmonies and Wanya Morris' virtuoso runs pushed the boundaries of romantic perfection.

Rock the Boat was one of the last masterpieces Aaliyah recorded before her tragic death. Her whisper-soft, relaxed delivery floats over a swaying, sun-drenched groove.

Diane Warren wrote the lyrics about unrequited love, but Brandy's warm, husky timbre and masterful vocal arrangements lifted it to stratospheric heights.

Ginuwine set aside his wild side for this tender hymn to true love. The warm piano melody and his passionate vocals make Differences a timeless classic.

Beyoncé, Kelly and Michelle demonstrate fabulous harmonic control on this languid R&B ballad. The subtle synthesizers and intimate atmosphere breathe pure luxury.

The master of New Jack Swing shifted to a steamy mid-tempo slow jam with Twisted. His pleading vocals about an intoxicating infatuation remain irresistible.

Armed with her piano and a soulful gospel sound, twenty-year-old Alicia Keys shook the music world awake. The raw intensity and classical influences are timeless.

With sweeping gospel choirs and monumental orchestration, this became one of the biggest pop and R&B ballads in history, written for the film Space Jam.

The ultimate step-by-step guide to romance. McKnight's fabulous piano playing and pitch-perfect range make Back at One a vocal masterclass.

Produced by Babyface, Breathe Again showcases Toni Braxton's velvety, remarkably low alto in a heartbreaking tale of heartache.

Written by a young Ne-Yo and produced by Scott Storch. The sparkling piano riff and Mario's disarming vocals made this the R&B hit of 2004.

Mariah Carey made a historic comeback with this Jermaine Dupri-produced slow jam. The tight 808 beat and her breathtaking vocal climax are pure pop magic.

With a melancholy acoustic guitar loop and a smooth R&B beat, Ne-Yo sings about being sick of the heartbreak love songs on the radio. Simple, effective and universally relatable.

The Bad Boy Records group delivered a flawless acoustic slow jam with Cupid. The soft strummed guitar and harmonies breathe pure romance.

The ultimate transition from bachelor life to eternal commitment. The soulful vocals and warm keyboards made it a favorite at weddings worldwide.

Produced by Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Janet chose an ultra-laid-back, relaxed funk slow jam built on a James Brown sample. Pure velvet.

Tyrese Gibson proved with his deep, warm baritone that he was more than a model. Sweet Lady is a steamy slice of traditional R&B seduction.

The Hailey brothers set aside their raw Jodeci style for this gorgeous piano ballad. The sincere gratitude in their vocals makes All My Life an indestructible evergreen.