1. "Do You Feel Me?," Anthony Hamilton
This song, which is on the soundtrack to the Denzel Washington movie American Gangster is undoubtedly one of the most emotion-filled songs of the year. Anthony Hamilton always brings it on every song he sings, but on "Do You Feel Me?" Anthony took things to a whole 'nother level.
2. "No One," Alicia Keys
Album cover © J Records.
This sweeping, emotional song about undying, invincible love is on Alicia's As I Am album. It was an unlikely - but welcome - hit because it's so unlike any other R&B song of 2007.
3. "Tell Me What We're Gonna Do Now," Joss Stone feat. Common
Image © Virgin Records.
Back in January, your Guide said that this is one of the better songs Joss has ever recorded, and that statement stands as true more than ever now. Listening to it is like the audio equivalent of taking a walk in the park on a beautiful Spring day. You can stream the song by clicking the image to the left or on the link below.
4. "Bed," J. Holiday
It seemed like J. Holiday came up out of nowhere with this incredibly catchy and clever song that was co-written by The-Dream. Stream it by clicking on the link below or the album cover to the left.
5. "Lost Without U," Robin Thicke
Cover © Interscope Records.
Although the album that this song comes from, The Evolution of Robin Thicke, was released in the Fall of 2006, "Lost Without U," didn't become a sleeper hit until early 2007, which is why its eligible for this list. It took a while for your Guide to warm up to this track, but there's no denying how sexy and romantic it is.
6. "Do You," Ne-Yo
Who hasn't wondered at least once if their ex still thinks about them sometimes? Ne-Yo's knack for great songwriting came through again on this song, which is the second single from his Because of You album. If you get a chance, check out the remix with Mary J. Blige.
7. "Same Girl," R. Kelly feat. Usher
Two of R&B's best male singers (and drama students) created one of the best duets (and surprising music videos) of the year.
8. "Like a Boy," Ciara
This very clever commentary on the double standard for guys and gals is probably aimed at Ciara's ex-boyfriend, the rapper Bow Wow, but a lot of young females - and older ones, too - can probably relate to what Ci-Ci is talking about on this track.
9. "Woman," Raheem DeVaughn
This song, which is off Raheem's upcoming album, Love Behind the Music, is a much-needed ode to females and was a welcome change from the various songs putting women down.
10. "I'm a Flirt," R. Kelly feat. T.I. and T-Pain
Album cover © Jive Records.
Back when this song was fresh and you hadn't already heard it 50 million times on the radio, it was a fun, bouncy song. The most incredible thing about it is that it manages to raise one of R&B's worst "singers," T-Pain, up to the same level as one of R&B's best, R. Kelly.