For the next chapter of our artist Top 10 Songs List feature we dig into the discography of the legendary Donell Jones. The singer has easily given us one of the best catalogs out of any singer coming out of the 90’s and this list should prove that to you.
Donell Jones often goes underrated at times for whatever reason but the albums, singles, and deep album cuts he’s given us are truly timeless.
A Chicago native, Jones initially established himself behind the scenes as a successful songwriter and producer for LaFace Records in the mid-1990s. His early credits include co-writing Usher’s first major hit, “Think of You,” and working with groups like 702 (“Get It Together”).
Jones launched his solo recording career with his debut album, My Heart (1996), which introduced his signature smooth sound and featured a popular cover of Stevie Wonder’s “Knocks Me Off My Feet.”
He then achieved commercial breakthrough and R&B icon status with his Platinum-selling sophomore album, Where I Wanna Be (1999). This album cemented his place in the genre through two iconic singles: “U Know What’s Up” and “Where I Wanna Be”.
Jones maintained his success with subsequent albums Life Goes On (2002) and Journey of a Gemini (2006).
Jones has continued to release music independently on his own label, Candyman Music Inc., with projects like Lyrics (2010), Forever (2013), and 100% Free (2021). Throughout his career, Jones’s music has been characterized by its sophisticated production, heartfelt lyrics often addressing relationship challenges and infidelity, and his consistent role as both a vocalist and a creative architect for his own projects. He remains a respected and influential figure whose work continues to define the sound of late 20th-century R&B.
As you can see from our list there was no way we could stop at just the top 10. We included a generous amount of honorable mention songs to compliment our choices for his best tracks.
Click Here to check out all of our Top 10 Lists. Click any of the song titles to hear that song. Click Here for our most recent interview with Donell Jones.
Without further ado, here is our list in chronological order:
An album cut from Donell’s debut which immediately helped us realize this smooth out soulful cat was something special.
An emotional ballad that showed us Donell was not afraid to show his vulnerable side.
A timeless R&B jam that you could still throw on at any party to get the crowd grooving.
An excruciatingly honest song that has gone on to become one of the biggest R&B hits of the 90’s.
This slick mid tempo jam gave us a different type of flavor on Donell’s classic sophomore album.
This head bobbing love song extended Donell’s run of hit songs into the 00’s.
Production duo Tim & Bob laced Donell with a perfect backdrop to match his smooth and soulful delivery.
A signature Donell Jones smoothed out R&B cut that easily could have been a big single.
This melodically intoxicating Mike City produced gem is our favorite song on the “Lyrics” album.
If it’s one thing that Donell has proven over the years is that he can effortlessly create love music. This is a perfect example.
Honorable Mention:
-Knocks Me Off My Feet (from the “My Heart” album)
-Wish You Were Here (from the “My Heart” album)
-Shorty Got Her Eyes on Me (from the “Where I Wanna Be” album)
-Have You Seen Her? (from the “Where I Wanna Be” album)
-Take It Here (from the “Bait” soundtrack)
-Put Me Down (from the “Life Goes On” album)
-Comeback (from the “Life Goes On” album)
-Gotta Get Her (Outta My Head) (from the “Life Goes On” album)
-Better Start Talking (from the “Journey of a Gemini” album)
-Cuttin Me Off (from the “Journey of a Gemini” album)
-U Make Me Say (featuring Fat Joe) (currently unreleased)
-Loving You (currently unreleased)
-Way You Make Me Feel (currently unreleased)
-I’ll Go (from the “Love & Basketball” soundtrack)
-Superman (from the “Lost Files” album)
-Love Like This (from the “Lyrics” album)
-Just a Little (from the “Lyrics” album)
-Closer I Get to You (from the “Forever” album)
-Sorry I Hurt You (from the “Forever” album)
-Karma (Payback) (from the “100% Free” album)
