Glenn Lewis is a name synonymous with pure, authentic soul music. Hailing from Toronto, Canada, this R&B singer and neo-soul artist possesses one of the most powerful and technically proficient voices of the last three decades. His effortless vocal runs and smooth, textured tone immediately drew critical comparisons to revered legends like Stevie Wonder and Donny Hathaway, setting a remarkably high bar for his career.

Lewis didn’t just meet that bar; he carved out his own dedicated lane in the Neo-Soul genre by committing to a sound that was both classic and contemporary. While his official album discography is relatively lean, featuring only two studio releases—the Grammy-nominated World Outside My Window (2002) and Moment of Truth (2013)—the quality and lasting impact of his music are undeniable. His catalog is uniquely enriched by standout collaborations, unreleased tracks from shelved projects like Back for More and Remember Me, and his incredible work as the sole vocalist on DJ Jazzy Jeff’s Chasing Goosebumps album.

This deep dive celebrates his immense talent by compiling and analyzing the definitive list of the Top 10 Best Glenn Lewis Songs, including his major hits, essential deep cuts, and powerful collaborations that every true R&B fan must know.

Before his debut, Glenn Lewis honed his skills in the Toronto music scene, initially working as a background vocalist. This groundwork led him to Philadelphia, where he signed with Epic Records in 1999. The anticipation for his first album was immense, especially given the rising tide of the neo-soul movement led by artists like D’Angelo, Erykah Badu, and Musiq Soulchild.

World Outside My Window, released in 2002, fully delivered on the promise of his talent. It wasn’t just commercially successful; it was a critical darling, earning a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Album. The album’s success proved that there was still a strong appetite for music rooted in traditional soul structure, sophisticated musicianship, and heartfelt lyrical themes. Even during the decade he spent between official albums, Lewis continued to be an influential figure, sought out for his distinctive voice on soundtracks and collaborative projects. His commitment to creating timeless R&B over fleeting trends is why his music retains its relevance today.

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Without further ado, here is our list of The Top 10 Best Glenn Lewis Songs in chronological order. (click any song title to listen to it).

 

The Thing To Do (from the “GROOVEssentials Volume One” album)

Era and Introduction: This song provided an early glimpse into the artist Lewis was becoming. Released on a compilation album, it quickly became an underground hit among soul music aficionados. It introduced his signature approach: a sophisticated, mid-tempo R&B groove built around warm instrumentation.

Vocal Hallmark: His vocals here are smooth and slightly reserved, showcasing his incredible control rather than raw power. It’s a perfect track for gaining traction in the late 90s R&B scene, proving his mastery of soulful cadence and texture. It set the stage for the classic sound of his debut.

 

Don’t You Forget It (from the “World Outside My Window” album)

Defining Hit: This track is, without question, the cornerstone of the Glenn Lewis discography. It instantly established him in the mainstream, soaring all the way to No. 1 on the Billboard Adult R&B chart. It became the definitive neo-soul anthem of 2002.

Musicality: The song features a classic arrangement—smooth bassline, jazzy chords, and a heartfelt vocal delivery. Lyrically, it is a passionate plea for a lover to remember the connection they share. The melodic complexity and vocal performance are a masterclass in modern soul.

 

This Love (from the “World Outside My Window” album)

Album Depth: Highlighting the quality of his Grammy-nominated debut, “This Love” is a standout album cut. It is a slow-burning, intensely sincere love song that captures the emotional weight of a lasting connection.

Theme: The track emphasizes the soulful maturity of Lewis’s writing, avoiding cliché to deliver a track that feels personal and deeply earned. It’s one of the essential Glenn Lewis ballads and a staple for any smooth R&B playlist.

 

Take You High (from the “World Outside My Window” album)

Versatility: This track demonstrates Lewis’s versatility, leaning into a slightly more uptempo rhythm while retaining the sophisticated sound of the album. It blends the classic elements of R&B/Soul with production techniques that felt current for the early 2000s.

Listening Experience: It’s an intoxicating track that uses his vocal agility to create a feeling of euphoria, perfectly matching the song’s title. It’s an indispensable cut when discussing the best of early 2000s neo-soul.

 

Fall Again (from the “Maid In Manhattan” soundtrack)

Crossover Appeal: Featured on the soundtrack for the major motion picture Maid In Manhattan, this track exposed his voice to a massive mainstream audience. It is an exquisitely produced, dramatic ballad.

Emotional Core: Lyrically, it deals with the fragility and hope involved in trying to rekindle a lost love. His vocal performance is heartfelt and vulnerable, making it one of the most powerful Glenn Lewis love songs in his catalog.

 

Back for More (featuring Kardinal Offishall) (from the “Back For More” album))

Shelved Project Significance: This song is one of the essential tracks salvaged from his unreleased second album, Back for More. The collaboration with fellow Canadian artist, rapper Kardinal Offishall, injects a sharp hip-hop edge into his classic R&B sound.

Dynamic: The track is assertive and compelling, showing that Lewis can successfully navigate a more contemporary, rhythmic sound while maintaining his soulful integrity. It’s a crucial piece of Canadian R&B history.

 

What’s Come Over Me (with Amel Larrieux) (from the “Barbershop” soundtrack)

Legendary Duet: This collaboration featured on the successful Barbershop movie soundtrack is a pure Neo-Soul moment. Pairing Lewis with the equally revered Amel Larrieux (formerly of Groove Theory) resulted in vocal magic.

Chemistry: Their voices possess a natural, complementary chemistry on this track. It’s a sophisticated, mid-tempo song about the irresistible nature of attraction and is a prime example of the high quality of movie soundtrack R&B from that era.

 

Storm (from the “Remember Me” album)

Deep Cut Treasure: Like Back for More, the Remember Me album was never officially released, making “Storm” a treasured deep cut among his most devoted fans.

Vocal Showcase: The track is a dynamic vocal showcase, allowing Lewis to demonstrate his range and emotional intensity as he sings about overcoming life’s challenges. It reinforces the consistent high quality of the music he created, even for projects that were sidelined.

 

Can’t Say Love (from the “Moment of Truth” album)

The Return: After a decade-long wait for a new official album, this single announced Lewis’s return. It reassured fans that his vocal ability and commitment to soulful music were undiminished.

Maturity: The song possesses a mature, reflective quality. The production is clean and modern, highlighting the clarity and richness of his voice. It successfully bridged the gap between his 2002 debut and the contemporary R&B landscape.

 

Faceless (from the “Chasing Goosebumps” album)

Unique Collaboration: This inclusion highlights a truly unique moment in his career. Lewis provided all the lead and background vocals for DJ Jazzy Jeff’s influential Chasing Goosebumps album, a project born from Jeff’s annual music retreat.

Final Masterpiece: “Faceless” stands out as a strong track, where Lewis’s voice becomes the central instrument. It is a powerful reminder of his versatility and his willingness to collaborate on projects that prioritize musicality and soul above all else.

 
Honorable Mention:

-Bout Your Love (from the “Rudimental 2k” album)

-Simple Things (from the “World Outside My Window” album)

-Something To See (from the “World Outside My Window” album)

–Hot Girl (with Baby Blue Soundcrew) (from the “Private Party: Collectors Edition” album)

–Only Be In Love (with Baby Blue Soundcrew) (from the “Private Party: Collectors Edition” album)

-Where is the Love (with Amel Larrieux) (from Stanley Clarke’s “1, 2, to the Bass” album)

-Your Love Is Too Much (from the “Back for More” album)

-Missing My Woman (from the “Back for More” album)

-The Most (from the “Back for More” album)

-Don’t Worry (from the “Remember Me” album)

-Can’t Live Without You (from the “Remember Me” album)

–Relax (Non-Album Single)

–Good One (Non-Album Single)

-All I See Is You (from the “Moment of Truth” album)

-Better With Time (from the “Moment of Truth” album)

-Number 1 (with Slakah The Beatchild) (from the “Soul Movement Vol. 1” album)

–Mr. Grump (from the “Chasing Goosebumps” album)

Glenn Lewis’s legacy is built on quality, not quantity. His commitment to the vocal integrity of classic soul while influencing the Neo-Soul genre has secured his position as an icon. His music—from the chart-topping “Don’t You Forget It” to his numerous collaborations—is an essential pillar of modern R&B.

Do you have a favorite track from the Back for More or Remember Me sessions that you feel should top this list of best Glenn Lewis songs?