12 Legendary Tracks That Prove Babyface Is One of the Best R&B Songwriters

12 Legendary Tracks That Prove Babyface Is One of the Best R&B Songwriters

Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds has shaped the sound of R&B for over three decades, crafting songs that touch hearts and top charts. His gift for storytelling through music has created some of the most memorable ballads and slow jams in history.

From wedding favorites to heartbreak anthems, his songwriting genius has earned him 11 Grammy Awards and countless number-one hits. These 12 tracks showcase why Babyface remains one of the most respected and influential songwriters in R&B history.

1. Superwoman – Karyn White (1988)

Before Babyface became a household name, he was already crafting anthems that spoke to real struggles. This powerful declaration of independence gave voice to women everywhere who were tired of being taken for granted.

Karyn White’s passionate delivery brought the lyrics to life, turning a simple message into a movement. The song balanced strength with vulnerability, acknowledging both the pain of unreciprocated love and the courage to walk away.

Early in his career, Babyface demonstrated his knack for writing songs that resonated deeply with listeners’ lived experiences. This track laid the foundation for his future as R&B’s most trusted storyteller.

2. Take a Bow – Madonna (1994)

Babyface proved his talents stretched far beyond R&B when he partnered with the Queen of Pop herself. This collaboration blended Madonna’s pop sensibility with soul-drenched production, resulting in one of her most enduring hits.

The song’s melancholic tone told the story of a relationship ending like a theatrical performance, with clever metaphors throughout. Critics and fans alike praised how Babyface brought out a softer, more vulnerable side of Madonna.

Spending seven weeks at number one, the track showcased his ability to adapt his songwriting style to different artists while maintaining his signature emotional depth. It remains a masterclass in cross-genre collaboration.

3. End of the Road – Boyz II Men (1992)

When heartbreak needed a soundtrack in 1992, this emotional powerhouse delivered in ways nobody expected. Boyz II Men’s harmonies floated over Babyface’s carefully crafted melody, creating a song that would dominate radio for an unprecedented 13 weeks at number one.

The lyrics captured the desperation of trying to save a dying relationship, with every word dripping with vulnerability. Babyface understood that sometimes the most powerful songs come from the rawest emotions.

It didn’t just define ’90s R&B—it set a new standard for what a ballad could achieve commercially and emotionally. Wedding DJs and broken hearts everywhere still reach for this timeless classic.

4. Can We Talk – Tevin Campbell (1993)

Picture a nervous teenager trying to ask someone out, and you’ve got the essence of this charming slow jam. Babyface captured that universal feeling of wanting to connect with someone special, wrapping it in smooth production and clever wordplay.

Tevin Campbell’s youthful voice made the lyrics feel authentic and relatable to audiences of all ages. The song’s gentle groove and tender approach to romance made it an instant classic.

What could have been a simple love song became Tevin’s signature hit, thanks to Babyface’s understanding of romantic storytelling. The track perfectly balanced innocence with sophistication, creating something truly memorable.

5. I’m Your Baby Tonight – Whitney Houston (1990)

Whitney Houston needed a fresh sound for the new decade, and Babyface delivered with this energetic fusion of pop and R&B. The track departed from her previous ballad-heavy repertoire, showcasing a more playful and confident side.

Co-written with L.A. Reid, the song’s upbeat tempo and catchy hook proved Houston could dominate dance floors as easily as she conquered emotional ballads. Babyface’s production brought out a sassiness in her voice that fans loved.

This collaboration marked a turning point in Houston’s career, helping her transition into the ’90s with style and commercial success. The song remains a testament to Babyface’s versatility as a songwriter.

6. Not Gon’ Cry – Mary J. Blige (1995)

Written for the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack, this anthem of survival became Mary J. Blige’s defining moment. Babyface crafted a narrative of a woman who sacrificed everything for a man who gave nothing back, channeling years of pain into one explosive declaration.

The song built gradually, mirroring the mounting frustration of its protagonist before erupting into powerful defiance. Blige’s raw, unfiltered delivery made every word feel autobiographical, even though Babyface wrote it.

This track proved that Babyface could write about strength just as powerfully as he wrote about vulnerability. It remains one of the most empowering breakup songs ever recorded.

7. Rock Steady – The Whispers (1987)

Before he dominated the ballad scene, Babyface showed he could craft infectious funk grooves that got bodies moving. This early hit combined smooth vocal harmonies with an irresistible rhythm that defined late-’80s R&B.

The Whispers brought decades of experience to Babyface’s youthful energy, creating a perfect blend of old-school soul and contemporary production. The song’s playful lyrics and upbeat vibe showcased a lighter side of his songwriting.

It marked an important milestone in Babyface’s career as both writer and performer. It demonstrated his range and proved he wasn’t just a one-trick pony focused solely on slow jams and tearjerkers.

8. Breathe Again – Toni Braxton (1993)

Few songs capture the suffocating feeling of heartbreak quite like this Grammy-winning masterpiece. Babyface wrote lyrics that made breathing itself feel impossible without a lover’s presence, creating visceral imagery that listeners felt in their chests.

Toni Braxton’s distinctively deep, sultry voice gave the words an almost painful authenticity. The production was deliberately sparse, allowing every emotional nuance to shine through without distraction.

This track launched Braxton into superstardom and established her as the queen of sophisticated heartbreak songs. Babyface’s ability to write from a woman’s perspective with such genuine emotion solidified his reputation as a truly exceptional songwriter.

9. Exhale (Shoop Shoop) – Whitney Houston (1995)

Sometimes the most profound advice comes wrapped in the simplest words: just breathe. Babyface wrote this gentle reminder for the Waiting to Exhale soundtrack, creating a soothing meditation on letting go of stress and heartache.

Whitney Houston’s tender interpretation made the song feel like a warm embrace from a trusted friend. The minimalist production allowed her voice to wrap around listeners like a comforting blanket.

It spent weeks at number one, proving that audiences craved Houston’s softer side as much as her powerhouse vocals. Babyface’s gift for writing healing music reached its peak with this timeless anthem of self-care.

10. Another Sad Love Song – Toni Braxton (1993)

Irony dripped from every note of this breakout hit that made Toni Braxton a star overnight. The song complained about hearing too many sad love songs on the radio while being, itself, an absolutely heartbreaking sad love song.

Babyface’s clever meta-commentary on R&B’s favorite subject showed his playful side while delivering genuine emotional weight. Braxton’s sultry contralto gave the lyrics a maturity that belied her newcomer status.

This track introduced the world to a new era of sophisticated R&B, where intelligence and emotion danced together seamlessly. It launched both Braxton’s career and a new standard for what modern soul music could be.

11. I’ll Make Love to You – Boyz II Men (1994)

If you got married in the ’90s or 2000s, chances are this song played at your reception. Babyface crafted the ultimate romantic promise, setting words of devotion to a melody so smooth it could melt the coldest heart.

Boyz II Men’s harmonies created layers of intimacy that made every couple feel like the song was written just for them. The production was lush yet restrained, never overwhelming the message of tender love.

Spending 14 weeks at number one, this track surpassed even “End of the Road” in commercial success. It remains the gold standard for romantic ballads and proves Babyface’s unmatched mastery of the genre.

12. You’re Makin’ Me High – Toni Braxton (1996)

Sensuality doesn’t always have to be subtle, and this chart-topping hit proved Babyface could write about desire with refreshing directness. The song’s confident lyrics celebrated physical attraction without shame or apology, breaking new ground for female artists.

Braxton’s delivery was playful yet seductive, perfectly matching the track’s vibe of uninhibited passion. The production blended contemporary R&B with hip-hop influences, keeping Braxton’s sound fresh and relevant.

Topping both pop and R&B charts, this collaboration showed that Babyface remained at the forefront of ’90s soul music. His ability to evolve with the times while maintaining his signature touch cemented his legendary status.