đ” 1980s R&B Wedding Songs
Classic Funk and soul hits to set the mood for your wedding day playlist.
The 1980s was a transformative decade for R&B music, blending soulful melodies with funk-infused beats, creating unforgettable sounds that remain wedding favorites to this day.
From smooth slow jams to upbeat dance hits, this era produced a rich variety of tracks perfect for setting the mood at any celebration. Whether youâre planning a romantic first dance or gearing up for an energetic reception, these 1980s R&B songs will add a timeless, funky touch to your wedding playlist.
Table of Contents
Slow dance songs
Cocktail & background songs
Party songs
Spotify playlist - 70 songs!
One condition to this list. Every song must have been released in the 1980s. Nothing from the 1970s and 1990s!
Slow Dance Songs
All I Do Is Think of You - Troop
1989 - Troopâs version of a 1975 song was originally recorded by The Jackson 5. The song reached #1 on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart. A wedding favorite for its romantic lyrics and soulful vibe.
Always - Atlantic Starr
1987 - The song reached #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs charts. It was performed by David Lewis and Barbara Weathers, who sang lead vocals.
Can You Stand the Rain - New Edition
1988 - The song was featured on the album âHeart Breakâ, which was the groupâs first album without Bobby Brown. His departure led to Johnny Gill joining New Edition. It was a #1 hit on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart.
Cherish - Kool & the Gang
1985 - The song reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #1 on the Adult Contemporary and R&B charts. âCherishâ was a popular first dance song during the 80s and 90s.
Endless Love â Lionel Richie & Diana Ross
1981 - âEndless Loveâ is often regarded as one of the greatest love duets ever. The song topped the Billboard Hot 100 and also hit #1 on the R&B and Adult Contemporary charts. It was written for the film Endless Love starring Brooke Shields.
Here and Now - Luther Vandross
1989 - âHere and Nowâ won Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the Grammy Awards, marking Luther Vandrossâ first Grammy win. The song reached #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and peaked at #6 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Love T.K.O. - Teddy Pendergrass
1980 - The song reached #2 on the Billboard R&B chart and became a classic in the Quiet Storm radio format, which specializes in romantic, late-night soul music. It has been covered by artists like Regina Belle, Bette Midler, and Hall & Oates.
Make It Last Forever - Keith Sweat, Jacci McGhee
1987 - âMake It Last Foreverâ was the title track of Keith Sweatâs debut album, which helped establish him as a pioneer of the New Jack Swing movement. The song peaked at #2 on the Billboard R&B chart.
Saving All My Love for You - Whitney Houston
1985 - âSaving All My Love" for Youâ was Whitney Houstonâs first major solo hit. The song won Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the Grammy Awards. It hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100, R&B Chart, and Adult Contemporary Chart. The heartfelt lyrics are about unrequited love and emotional vulnerability.
Shake You Down - Gregory Abbott
1986 - The song It reached #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and also made it to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was an expression of the feelings of closeness and affection he had for his significant other.
Special Lady - Ray, Goodman & Brown
1980 - The song became a #1 hit on the Billboard R&B chart. The songâs lyrics are about cherishing and appreciating a romantic partner. Ray, Goodman & Brown were originally part of the group The Moments.
Stuck on You - Lionel Richie
1984 - âStuck on Youâ was one of Lionel Richieâs biggest solo hits in the mid-â80s, reaching #3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming a major hit on both pop and country charts. The lyrics reflect on the themes of love, commitment, and being "stuck" with someone in a good way.
Suddenly â Billy Ocean
1985 - âSuddenlyâ reached #1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and also hit #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Tender Love - Force MDs
1985 - The song reached #10 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #4 on the Billboard R&B chart. Itâs a classic slow jam that became an anthem for romantic moments.
Tonight, I Celebrate My Love - Peabo Bryson and Roberta Flack
1983 - The song peaked at #4 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and #5 on the Billboard R&B chart.
Cocktail & Background Songs
A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do) - Raydio
1981 - The song reached #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and made it to #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was written by Ray Parker Jr., the groupâs lead singer and founder. The trackâs funky, upbeat sound, combined with its romantic lyrics, made it a popular love anthem.
Casanova - Levert
1987 - The song reached #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and also made it to #5 on the Billboard Hot 100. Itâs known for its funky, upbeat tempo and catchy chorus, with a danceable groove that made it a club and radio favorite.
Human Nature - Michael Jackson
1983 - The song was featured on Michael Jackson's iconic album âThrillerâ. It was written by Steve Porcaro, a member of the band Toto. The track influenced future covers and versions including SWV, Miles Davis, and John Mayer.
I Just Called to Say I Love You â Stevie Wonder
1984 - The song won Best Male R&B Vocal Performance at the Grammy Awards and earned a Best Pop Vocal Performance nomination. It was written for the soundtrack of the film The Woman in Red. The track topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
I Like - Guy
1989 - The song was featured on Guy's self-titled debut album and is often credited with helping to define the New Jack Swing sound. It peaked at #2 on the Billboard R&B chart.
Just the Two of Us - Grover Washington, Jr. & Bill Withers
1981 - A legendary collaboration between jazz saxophonist Grover Washington, Jr. and soul singer Bill Withers. It reached #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 on the Billboard R&B chart.
Just To See Her - Smokey Robinson
1987 - The song peaked at #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and made it into the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100. Its lyrics are a beautiful expression of love and longing.
Nightshift - Commodores
1985 - âNightshiftâ was written as a tribute to Marvin Gaye and Jackie Wilson to honor their musical legacies. It topped the Billboard R&B chart and reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100. The track was released after Lionel Richie left the group.
Nite and Day - Al B. Sure!
1988 - The song was a hit on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching #7 and also #1 on the Billboard R&B chart. The lyrics express longing and devotion with a promise of love "day and night".
Outstanding - The Gap Band
1982 - The song reached #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and #51 on the Billboard Hot 100. It is known for its funky groove, smooth bassline, and infectious melody. The track has a signature blend of funky rhythms and soul, making it a go-to dance anthem or fun background vibes.
Paradise - Sade
1988 - The song reached #1 on the Billboard Adult Contemporary chart and charted in the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. The trackâs relaxing vibe is a perfect example of the smooth jazz and soul blend that Sade is known for.
Shining Star - The Manhattans
1980 - The song was released as a single in 1980 and peaked at #4 on the US Billboard R&B chart, and #5 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100. The songâs upbeat, romantic lyrics and catchy melody helped solidify their place in the world of classic R&B.
Smooth Operator - Sade
1984 - The song peaked at #5 on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard R&B Chart. The combination of Sade Aduâs husky, emotive vocals, along with the sleek production and jazz-inspired instrumentation, made it a standout track in the pop and R&B genres.
We Are One - Maze, Frankie Beverly
1983 - The song is a great example of the band's signature blend of soul, R&B, and funk. Its lyrics focus on love, togetherness, and unity.
Weâre In This Love Together - Al Jarreau
1981 - The song reached #15 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 on the Adult Contemporary chart. It blends jazz, pop, R&B, and soul. The lyrics of the song celebrate love and togetherness, making it a feel-good anthem.
What's Love Got to Do with It - Tina Turner
1984 - The song marked a major turning point in her solo career after leaving her tumultuous marriage to Ike Turner. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Popular remakes include Warren G and Kygo.
Party Songs
1999 - Prince
1982 - The lyrics celebrate the idea of partying and enjoying life in the face of an uncertain future. It reached #12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #2 on the Billboard Hot Black Singles chart.
Ainât Nobody - Chaka Khan
1983 - The song peaked at #22 on the Billboard Hot 100 and climbed to #1 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The track blends her powerful, soulful voice with funky grooves, making it a classic in both the R&B and dance music genres.
All Night Long (All Night) - Lionel Richie
1983 - The song topped many charts around the world including the Billboard Hot 100. It features a catchy Caribbean-inspired beat and rhythm that makes it a dance floor anthem.
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