25 R&B Interludes That Should Have Been Full Songs

Who doesn’t love a great interlude?

In the 90s especially, there was nothing more fulfilling – and kinda frustrating – than an incredible snippet of a song that ended way too soon. That’s what we’re revisiting today – 25 interludes that were so great, so memorable and so dynamic that fans were dying for just a few more minutes of bliss.

Keep in mind, for this list I stuck with interludes (as well as intros and outros, in some cases) that to date have not become full songs. Interludes like Faith Evans & 112’s “Stay,” and Kelly Price’s “Healing” became full tracks eventually, so those weren’t included.

Hopefully someone gets the hint and gives us the full versions of these interludes below. We need more!

Brandy, “I Dedicate (Pt. 1)”

Brandy’s debut was filled with these little dedications, and while they wore our their welcome by the album’s end, the first one hits with the most impact.

Jill Scott, “Nothing (Interlude)”

So may Jill tracks feel like poetry, and this poetic ode to the art of lovemaking is no different.

Boyz II Men, “Khalil”

One of the most memorable interludes of its era from one of the greatest albums of all time. It’s forever a fave.

Rihanna, “James Joint”

Longtime Soul In Stereo readers know how I feel about the modern day Avon Lady, but I’m a big fan of her Anti album and I wish we got more tracks that sounded like this.

Justin Timberlake, “Let Me Talk To You”

I know “My Love” was a huge hit for Justin Timberlake, but it’s actually one of my least favorites from FutureSex/LoveSounds. If the single sounded more like this stripped down, raucous version I’d be a bigger fan.

Kelly Price, “National Anthem (Interlude)”

Kelly cussin out her man to the tune of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” I’m with it.

Solange, “Looks Good With Trouble”

A forgotten fave from her 2012 True project, she didn’t give us much here but it’s arguably the best song on the EP.

Faith Evans, “Faithful (Interlude)”

“FAIIIIITHFULL … TILL THE ENDDDDDD!” This interlude sounded like ministry.

Kelela, “Bluff”

A brief but potent stop on Kelela’s Take Me Apart album, this one lets up just as it was getting going. The best stuff always leaves us wanting more.

112, “Sexy You (Interlude)”

112 are the kings of interludes – get ready for a bunch of entries from them on this list. “Sexy You” might be their most remembered one.

Keith Sweat, “Show Me The Way (Interlude)”

You know I had to slide KING KEEF into the mix! Even the biggest Keith haters show love to this one, it’s undeniable. And although it’s labeled as an interlude, it sorta feels like a full song, especially by today’s standards.

Erykah Badu, “You Loving Me (Session)”

Badu’s always got jokes, and listening to her brag about how much her man loves her despite the terrible things she’s doing never fails to entertain.

Raheem DeVaughn, “Interlude – Don’t Go”

A Place Called LoveLand is my favorite Raheem project and this is the perfect mood setter to compliment that album.

112, “Q, Mike, Slim, Daron (Interlude)”

AKA, “If You Are Available,” it’s a crime we don’t have a full version of this.

Alicia Keys, “Feeling U, Feeling Me (Interlude)”

Say what you want about Alicia’s current music (and y’all know I have) but that Diary of Alicia Keys era was a moment. This stripped down, sultry performance is everlasting.

Faith Evans, “Ride the Beat (Interlude)”

A cut from Faith’s often-forgotten Incomparable, she’s having too much fun teasing her man here.

Mark Morrison, “Home Pt. 1 (Interlude)”

Yes, he has more than “Return of the Mack!” This sensual cut hits!

112, “Don’t Go Away (Interlude)”

112 was singing like the rent was due and they were down to their last dime on this one. You rarely hear this much effort and emotion put into full songs today, let alone interludes!

SWV, “Use Your Heart (Interlude)”

This isn’t a ranked list, but if it were, this slowed down intro to SWV’s classic single would likely top it. I love the full song, but this version is even better.

Playa, “Derby City Interlude”

Most of the interludes on this list are sultry intros or melancholy mood setters, but not this time. Playa grabs Magoo and they have a blast showing love to Louisville, Ky.

Justin Timberlake, “…Comes Around (Interlude)”

Essentially an outro to “What Goes Around,” JT shows absolutely no mercy to his ex with his lack of sympathy. I wouldn’t say it’s better than the original, but it’s nearly as good and deserves a full version.

Miguel, “Girl With the Tattoo Enter.lude”

Miguel’s lusty “Girl with the Tattoo” is much more atmospheric (and kinda creepy) than most of the other tracks here, but that’s what makes it stand out. It’s still one of the most memorable moments from his debut.

112, “Anywhere (Interlude)”

Another interlude that serves as an intro to the bigger hit, this airy version is much different than it’s bouncy successor. But it’s still awesome.

Alicia Keys, “Nobody Not Really (Interlude)”

Another winner from The Diary of Alicia Keys, this somber moment of reflection deserved a full run.

Earth, Wind & Fire, “Beijo aka Brazilian Rhyme”

The Elements! Another candidate for best interlude ever, this is just a funky good time.

There are so many more interludes I missed – which ones do you think deserve to be full songs?