We took some time to dig into the entire discography from the legendary Deborah Cox to uncover her Top 10 Best Songs. The singer has put together quite a career to date, with a couple of classics albums and tons of hit singles.
Discovered by Clive Davis, the Canadian singer quickly established herself as a powerhouse capable of delivering both street-smart mid-tempos and soaring emotional ballads. Her impact on the genre is undeniable, with a discography that includes certified classics and massive crossover dance hits.
There is pretty much no doubt that Deborah Cox is one of the standout R&B artists out of the 90’s era. Her first two albums “Deborah Cox” and “One Wish” could easily be considered classics.
Perhaps most interesting about her career is that she reached a whole new audience via massive dance remixes to her singles like “Things Just Ain’t the Same” and “Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here”. She would go on to release original dance hits in the decades to follow.
Take note that we did not consider her album “Destination Moon” during this review because it lands more in the Jazz genre. It’s also important to note how criminal it is that we haven’t got a new album from Deborah Cox since “The Promise” in 2008.
Click Here to check out all of our Top 10 Lists. Click any of the song titles to hear that song. You can also click here for our most recent interview with Deborah Cox.
Without further ado, here is our list in chronological order:
“Sentimental”
Album: Deborah Cox (1995)
Produced by Dallas Austin, “Sentimental” served as the world’s formal introduction to Deborah Cox. The track perfectly captured the mid-90s R&B aesthetic—blending a smooth, hip-hop-influenced groove with Deborah’s clean, precise vocals. It was a bold debut that proved she could hold her own alongside the heavyweights of the era, and the song’s success on the Billboard charts immediately validated the industry’s belief in her star power.
“Who Do U Love”
Album: Deborah Cox (1995)
Following the success of her debut, “Who Do U Love” showcased a more energetic side of Deborah. The production felt fresh and vibrant, utilizing a bouncy rhythm that highlighted the versatility of her voice. It remains a standout for its infectious melody and remains a staple for fans of the “Golden Era” of R&B. The track further solidified her self-titled debut as a must-have album for R&B purists.
“It Could’ve Been You”
Album: Deborah Cox (1995)
While it may not have reached the commercial heights of her lead singles, “It Could’ve Been You” is a masterclass in R&B arrangement. The inclusion of live horns gives the track a timeless, soulful feel that distinguishes it from the more synthesized sounds of the time. Deborah’s vocal performance here is effortless, gliding over the sophisticated production with a confidence that belied her newcomer status.
“Things Just Ain’t The Same”
Album: One Wish (1998)
Originally appearing on the Money Talks soundtrack before being included on her sophomore album, this track is a fan favorite for its emotional weight. While the Hex Hector dance remix eventually became a global club anthem, the original version remains a powerful R&B mid-tempo. It captures the transition between her debut sound and the more mature, polished direction she would take on the classic One Wish album.
“Nobody’s Supposed To Be Here”
Album: One Wish (1998)
This is the definitive Deborah Cox record. Written by Montell Jordan and Anthony “Shep” Crawford, the song held the record for the longest-running #1 R&B single for nearly a decade. While the up-tempo remix dominated dance floors, the original slow jam is a vocal tour de force. The “big reveal” in the chorus allows Deborah to showcase her incredible range and power, cementing her place as a true diva in the lineage of Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey.
“We Can’t Be Friends” (feat. R.L. of Next)
Album: One Wish (1998)
Duets were a staple of 90s R&B, but few reached the emotional resonance of “We Can’t Be Friends.” Pairing Deborah with R.L. from the group Next created a vocal chemistry that felt genuinely lived-in. The song deals with the painful reality of being unable to maintain a platonic relationship after a deep romantic connection. It remains one of the most vulnerable and vocally impressive ballads of its decade.
“Up & Down (In & Out)”
Album: The Morning After (2002)
Serving as the lead single for her third studio album, “Up & Down” represented a sonic evolution for Deborah. The track leaned into a more contemporary, sleek production style that felt modern for the early 2000s. It was a positive progression that showed she could adapt to the changing R&B landscape without sacrificing the vocal integrity that fans expected from her.
“Did You Ever Love Me”
Album: The Promise (2008)
For her fourth album, Deborah collaborated with the legendary production duo Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis. “Did You Ever Love Me” is a sophisticated gem that carries the signature lush, melodic touch of Flyte Tyme production. The song allowed Deborah to explore a more nuanced, soulful delivery, proving that her voice had only grown richer and more refined with time.
“More Than I Knew”
Album: Non-Album Single (2015)
“More Than I Knew” was released as a bridge for fans during the long wait between studio albums. The song features a classic R&B structure that feels both nostalgic and fresh. It reminded the industry that Deborah remained a top-tier vocalist, capable of delivering soul-stirring performances even a decade after her commercial peak. It remains a “hidden gem” for those who have followed her career beyond the radio hits.
“Easy Way”
Album: Non-Album Single (2019)
Produced by Rico Love, “Easy Way” showed Deborah once again evolving her sound. The track features a more atmospheric, modern R&B production while keeping her powerhouse vocals at the forefront. It served as a reminder of her longevity and her ability to work with contemporary hitmakers to create music that resonates with long-time fans and new listeners alike.
Honorable Mention:
The Sound of My Tears (from the “Deborah Cox” album)
Just Be Good to Me (from the “Deborah Cox” album)
It’s Over Now (from the “One Wish” album)
September (from the “One Wish” album)
Love Is On The Way (from the “One Wish” album)
Givin It Up (from “The Morning After” album)
You Know Where My Heart Is (from “The Promise” album)
All Over Me (from “The Promise” album)