Synth R&B
tagStarted 2011Peak 2013-2019Last big hit still active
Located in 1 route
Lush, retro-leaning R&B-pop draped in vintage and modern synthesizers: warm analog pads, neon arpeggios, gated-reverb drums and glossy '80s-indebted synth-funk basslines. Vocals glide in airy falsetto and stacked harmony over widescreen, atmospheric production that prizes mood, melody and a polished, nostalgic glow over grit.
History
Coalesced in the early 2010s as pop-R&B reached back to '80s synth-funk and Prince-style boudoir-pop, reframed with modern sheen. Miguel and Frank Ocean opened the door; The Weeknd's stadium pivot and Bruno Mars' Mark Ronson collaborations pushed lush synth textures to the top of the charts through the late 2010s.
Defining artists
Essential listening
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blinding_Lights
- https://www.allmusic.com/style/contemporary-r-b-ma0000002809
- https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/the-weeknd-after-hours/