When it comes to defining the sound of contemporary R&B, few artists have made as lasting an impression as Monica Denise Arnold, known simply as Monica. Since bursting onto the music scene as a teenager in the mid-1990s, she has delivered anthems that span love, heartbreak, empowerment, and resilience. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just beginning to explore her catalog, this list of the 20 best Monica songs of all time is your definitive guide to one of the most iconic voices in R&B music history. From chart-topping hits to deeply personal ballads and recent releases, every song on this list represents a high point in an extraordinary career.
“The Boy Is Mine” (feat. Brandy)
“The Boy Is Mine” is arguably the most iconic duet in R&B history, released in 1998 as part of Monica’s sophomore album of the same name. The song pitted Monica against Brandy in a dramatic confrontation over a shared love interest, and the chemistry between the two voices created an unforgettable listening experience that has never been replicated. It spent thirteen consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned both artists a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals at the 1999 ceremony, making it the undisputed crown jewel of Monica’s entire discography.
“Angel of Mine”
“Angel of Mine” is a breathtaking ballad from Monica’s 1998 album The Boy Is Mine, where she reimagines Eternal’s original with raw, soulful intensity that made the song entirely her own. The track debuted at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and remained there for four weeks, cementing her status as one of the preeminent voices in R&B at just eighteen years old. Its lush production and deeply emotional lyrics about unconditional love have made it a fan favorite that has endured for decades and is consistently ranked among her very best vocal performances.
“Don’t Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days)”
Monica’s debut single, released in 1995 when she was just fifteen years old, introduced the world to a teenager with a voice far beyond her years. “Don’t Take It Personal” reached number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and made Monica the youngest artist ever to score a number one hit on the Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart, a record that cemented her place in music history before she had even released a full album. It established her immediately as a serious force in the industry and launched what would become one of the most decorated careers in contemporary R&B.
“Before You Walk Out of My Life”
“Before You Walk Out of My Life” was Monica’s second single from her debut album Miss Thang, and it gave her her first number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1995, making her the first artist in chart history to have back-to-back number ones before the age of sixteen. The song showcases her remarkable ability to convey emotional depth and urgency, pleading with a lover not to leave while demonstrating a vocal maturity that defied her teenage age entirely. It remains one of the most celebrated tracks in her early catalog and helped set the template for the passionate, emotionally raw style that would define much of her career going forward.
“For You I Will”
“For You I Will” was recorded for the 1996 Space Jam soundtrack and became a massive crossover hit, introducing Monica to an even broader audience than her debut had reached. The soaring ballad captures the essence of devoted love with Monica’s voice gliding effortlessly over an orchestral production that perfectly suits the grandeur of the emotion being conveyed. It reached the top five on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned its first number one on the Adult R&B chart in 1997, remaining one of the most beloved soundtrack contributions of the decade and a signature song of her career.
“The First Night”
“The First Night” is one of Monica’s biggest commercial achievements, released in 1998 from The Boy Is Mine album, and it reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 where it remained for one week. The cool, confident midtempo track tells the story of a woman who refuses to move too fast in a new relationship, and its self-assured message resonated so strongly with audiences that it became one of the defining radio anthems of the late 1990s. It showcased Monica’s ability to deliver attitude-driven material with the same commanding presence she brought to her heartfelt ballads, proving her remarkable versatility as a complete recording artist.
“So Gone”
“So Gone,” released in 2003 from the album After the Storm, marked a bold evolution in Monica’s sound as she incorporated harder-edged production while retaining her signature emotional authenticity. The track was produced by Jermaine Dupri and became one of her most commercially successful releases of the 2000s, reaching number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and spending multiple weeks at the top of the R&B charts. Its hypnotic beat and layered lyric about being utterly consumed by love, paired with Monica’s nuanced delivery, elevated the material into something truly memorable that still resonates deeply with R&B listeners today.
“Why I Love You So Much”
“Why I Love You So Much” is a stirring gospel-influenced ballad from Monica’s debut album Miss Thang that quickly became one of the standout tracks in her early catalog. The song reflects Monica’s deep roots in church music and her years singing with a traveling gospel choir as a child, and her delivery carries a spiritual conviction that makes the romantic lyric feel transcendent and profoundly moving. It has been praised by critics and fans alike as one of the purest expressions of her vocal ability from the very start of her career, showcasing a maturity and spiritual grounding that set her apart from every one of her contemporaries.
“Love All Over Me”
“Love All Over Me” from the 2010 album Still Standing is a warm, feel-good R&B track that finds Monica in a joyful, celebratory mood after a period of significant personal and professional challenges. The song reached number two on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, becoming her twelfth top ten hit on that chart, and was praised for its infectious groove and Monica’s effortlessly smooth vocal performance. It represented a creative rebirth, demonstrating that she could craft upbeat, radio-friendly material without sacrificing any of the emotional substance that had always defined her work and endeared her to fans around the world.
“Everything to Me”
“Everything to Me” was the lead single from Monica’s 2010 album Still Standing, produced by Missy Elliott, and it became her sixth number one hit on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, her first chart-topper in over seven years at that point. The deeply personal lyric, delivered with characteristic sincerity, resonated strongly with her core fanbase and garnered significant airplay on urban adult contemporary radio stations nationwide. It was nominated for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance at the 53rd Grammy Awards and is widely regarded as one of the crowning moments of her celebrated comeback story with Still Standing. Listening on quality headphones brings out every nuance of Missy Elliott’s lush production.
“Sideline Ho”
“Sideline Ho,” released in 2004 during The Makings of Me era, is one of Monica’s most fiercely delivered performances, addressing infidelity and the disrespect of being treated as someone’s secret with unflinching directness and zero apology. The song became a word-of-mouth hit that spread rapidly through urban radio and solidified her reputation as an artist willing to tackle uncomfortable truths with bold, unapologetic confidence that few of her peers could match. Its raw energy and the sheer ferocity of Monica’s delivery made it a fan favorite that still gets heavy rotation in R&B playlists today, and it remains one of the most talked-about and celebrated tracks of her entire career.
“U Should’ve Known Better”
“U Should’ve Known Better” from the critically acclaimed 2003 album After the Storm is a smooth yet emotionally charged midtempo track that finds Monica addressing a failed relationship with the clarity and hard-won wisdom of someone who has done the difficult work of moving forward. The song was produced by Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox, whose sleek, contemporary production perfectly complemented Monica’s nuanced vocal delivery that balances hurt and hard-earned strength in equal measure. It was a standout on an album that debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, further establishing her as an R&B powerhouse capable of profound emotional storytelling rooted in real lived experience.
“A Dozen Roses (You Remind Me)”
“A Dozen Roses (You Remind Me)” from the 2006 album The Makings of Me is a rich, classically styled R&B ballad that draws on the deep tradition of soul music to create something both nostalgic and distinctly Monica in character. The song was praised for its lush, layered production and Monica’s effortless command of the material, reinforcing her reputation as one of the genre’s most dependable and gifted vocal performers regardless of the era or style. It became a genuine fan favorite on an album that demonstrated her continued artistic growth and her deep, lifelong commitment to the craft of meaningful songwriting and world-class vocal performance.
“Here I Am”
“Here I Am” is a powerful declaration of resilience from Still Standing, a project whose very title speaks to Monica’s extraordinary ability to endure personal and professional hardships and emerge from them stronger and more determined than before. The track, which features Trey Songz and was confirmed as the album’s third single, became a fan anthem thanks to its inspirational message and gospel-tinged production by Polow Da Don that perfectly suits the triumphant emotional journey of the lyric. Monica’s impassioned delivery makes it one of the most emotionally affecting tracks in her entire catalog, a testament to the personal strength that has defined her life and career from the very beginning.
“Just Right for Me” (feat. Lil Wayne)
“Just Right for Me” is a compelling collaboration with Lil Wayne released as the lead single from Monica’s 2015 album Code Red, produced by Polow Da Don and sampling Smokey Robinson and The Miracles’ 1968 classic “Much Better Off.” The Polow Da Don-produced track peaked at number twelve on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart and was praised by critics at outlets including Vibe, Fuse, and Essence as a summer-ready celebration of finding the perfect partner. Monica’s buttery, confident vocal delivery anchors the track beautifully, and the collaboration with Lil Wayne demonstrated her continued ability to thrive alongside hip-hop’s biggest names without ever losing sight of her own artistic identity. For anyone who wants to fully immerse in R&B like this, great earbuds make a real difference.
“Commitment”
“Commitment” was released in January 2019 as the debut single on Monica’s own independent label Mondeenise Music, Inc., and it reached number one on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs airplay chart for two consecutive weeks, her first chart-topper in nine years. Written by Monica and produced by NOVA Wav, the tender ballad is a deeply felt declaration of what true love looks like beyond infatuation, and it earned widespread praise from critics and fans who had been waiting for new music from the R&B veteran. Billboard called it a vindication of “true R&B music,” and its success confirmed that after more than two decades in the industry, Monica’s voice and artistic vision remain as powerful and commercially relevant as ever.
“Everytime Tha Beat Drop” (feat. Dem Franchize Boyz)
“Everytime Tha Beat Drop,” released in July 2006 as the lead single from The Makings of Me and produced by Jermaine Dupri, was a bold stylistic departure for Monica that found her leaning fully into the crunk and snap sound that was dominating Atlanta radio at the time. The track peaked at number eleven on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, becoming her tenth top twenty entry on that chart, and she performed it on major television programs including The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Late Show with David Letterman, and BET’s 106 & Park. It is a high-energy anthem that showcased a playful, adventurous side of Monica that fans rarely got to hear, and it remains a beloved moment in her discography for fans who appreciate the full breadth of her musical range.
“Still Standing” (feat. Ludacris)
“Still Standing,” the empowering title track from Monica’s 2010 album, features her cousin and rapper Ludacris and was produced by Bryan-Michael Cox as a stirring declaration of personal resilience after years of well-documented personal struggle. The song debuted within the top eighty on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart as a buzz single and was used as the theme song for her BET reality series Monica: Still Standing, making it one of the most recognizable and personally significant records of this chapter of her career. Monica performed it at the SOS Saving Ourselves – Help for Haiti Benefit in early 2010 alongside Ludacris, where it was received as one of the standout performances of the entire night by critics and viewers alike.
“Trenches” (feat. Lil Baby)
“Trenches” was released on August 31, 2020, produced by The Neptunes’ Pharrell Williams and Chad Hugo, and stands as one of Monica’s most significant recent releases, entering the top ten on the Billboard Hot R&B Songs chart and earning praise from Variety as one of the Best Songs of the Week upon its arrival. The slinky, midtempo track finds Monica pledging unwavering loyalty to a partner navigating a difficult life, and her delivery brings genuine warmth and conviction to every line. Its release coincided with her landmark Verzuz battle against Brandy, which drew over 1.2 million live viewers, and the song reminded an entirely new generation of listeners of her vocal power and creative vitality more than twenty-five years into her remarkable career.
“Friends” (feat. Ty Dolla $ign)
“Friends,” featuring Ty Dolla $ign, was released on July 15, 2022 as the fourth single from Monica’s forthcoming album Trenches via her independent Mondeenise Music label, and it peaked at number twenty-six on the Billboard Mainstream R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart while its music video racked up over 2.2 million plays in its first week. The track interpolates Patti LaBelle’s 1992 single “Somebody Loves You Baby (You Know Who It Is)” and explores the complications that arise when the boundaries between friendship and romantic love begin to blur in a deeply personal relationship. Directed by Sarah McColgan and choreographed by Parris Goebel, the song and its visual representation sit comfortably alongside the very best work of Monica’s career, further confirming that she remains one of R&B’s most vital and enduring voices today.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Monica’s most successful song of all time?
“The Boy Is Mine,” her 1998 duet with Brandy, is widely considered Monica’s most commercially successful song of all time. It spent thirteen consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals, and remains one of the top twenty most successful American singles in Billboard chart history. Its cultural impact and chart longevity make it the undisputed pinnacle of her discography in terms of mainstream commercial success.
How many number one hits has Monica had?
Monica has scored multiple number one hits across both the Billboard Hot 100 and the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart throughout her career, including “Before You Walk Out of My Life,” “The Boy Is Mine,” “The First Night,” “Angel of Mine,” “Everything to Me,” “Love All Over Me,” and “Commitment.” She is notably the first artist in history to top the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart in three consecutive decades — the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s — a distinction she shares with only a small group of legends including Michael Jackson and James Brown. Her chart history is among the most impressive in the entire history of contemporary R&B.
Has Monica won any Grammy Awards?
Yes, Monica won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for “The Boy Is Mine” alongside Brandy at the 41st Grammy Awards in 1999. She has received additional Grammy nominations throughout her career, including a Best Female R&B Vocal Performance nomination at the 53rd Grammy Awards for “Everything to Me,” and a Best R&B Album nomination for Still Standing. Her Grammy win remains one of the defining achievements of her career and cemented her legacy as one of R&B’s most elite and celebrated performers.
What is Monica’s most recent single?
Among her most recent official releases, “Letters” was released on June 30, 2023 via her Mondeenise Music Inc. imprint and debuted at number eleven on the Billboard R&B Digital Song Sales chart. Prior to that, “Friends” featuring Ty Dolla $ign (July 2022) and “Trenches” featuring Lil Baby (August 2020) were her most high-profile recent singles, both of which charted on the Billboard R&B charts. Monica has confirmed she is working on both an R&B album titled Trenches and a country music project titled Open Roads, signaling an exciting next chapter in her career.
Is Monica still making music?
Yes, Monica remains a fully active recording artist continuing to release music independently through her own label, Mondeenise Music, Inc., which she launched in 2019 after departing RCA Records. She has released multiple successful singles as an independent artist — including “Commitment,” “Trenches,” “Friends,” and “Letters” — all of which have charted on Billboard, proving her continued commercial relevance without major label backing. Her fanbase remains deeply loyal, and she is simultaneously working on two upcoming album projects, confirming that one of the foundational voices of contemporary R&B shows absolutely no signs of slowing down.
Who are some artists Monica has collaborated with?
Over the course of her career, Monica has collaborated with an extraordinary range of artists across R&B and hip-hop, including Brandy, Lil Wayne, Lil Baby, Ty Dolla $ign, Ludacris, Dem Franchize Boyz, Missy Elliott, Trey Songz, Jermaine Dupri, Timbaland, Akon, and many others. These collaborations have consistently demonstrated her versatility and her unique ability to hold her own and often elevate the material alongside some of the biggest names in the industry across every era of her career. Her 1998 duet with Brandy, “The Boy Is Mine,” remains not only her most famous collaboration but one of the most celebrated musical partnerships in the entire history of R&B.