When you talk about the landscape of modern R&B, it’s impossible to ignore the “General.” For over two decades, Tank has remained one of the most consistent and powerful voices in the genre. Whether he’s delivering heart-wrenching ballads, baby-making anthems, or showing off his elite pen game for others, Tank has a way of capturing the essence of R&B that few can match.
While his work with TGT and his prolific songwriting credits are legendary, his solo catalog is where his artistry truly shines. From the raw vulnerability of his early 2000s debut to the smooth, sophisticated grooves of his veteran years, we’ve narrowed down the best of the best.
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“Slowly” (from the “Force of Nature” album)
The debut album Force of Nature introduced us to a singer who wasn’t afraid to be traditional. “Slowly” is a masterclass in pacing, showcasing Tank’s ability to use his powerful tenor to build tension. It’s a quintessential early-2000s R&B cut that set the stage for his career as a premier crooner.
“You Don’t Know” (featuring Wale) (from the “Sex Love & Pain II” album)
Tank has always been adept at evolving with the times without losing his soul. This collaboration with Wale saw him leaning into a more contemporary, trap-soul influenced sound. The sample of Patti LaBelle’s “If Only You Knew” provides a nostalgic anchor to a very modern R&B hit.
“Can’t Let It Show” (from the “R&B Money” album)
Using a clever interpolation of Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work,” Tank created a hauntingly beautiful ballad about the pain of hiding one’s true feelings. It’s one of his most vocally impressive tracks, proving that even after nearly twenty years in the game, his range remains unmatched.
“Next Breath” (from the “This Is How I Feel” album)
“Next Breath” is Tank at his most desperate and devoted. The production is grand and cinematic, matching the intensity of the lyrics. It’s the kind of power ballad that reminds you why he earned the nickname “The General”—he commands the track with absolute authority.
“Emergency” (from the “Now or Never” album)
By the time Now or Never arrived, Tank was experimenting with a sleeker, more polished sound. “Emergency” is a standout because of its urgency. It’s a soulful plea that resonated heavily on the charts and remains a staple in his live sets today.
“One Man” (from the “One Man” album)
The title track of his sophomore project, “One Man,” is a quintessential example of Tank’s ability to blend vulnerability with vocal power. It solidified his place as a leading man in R&B, proving that Force of Nature was no fluke. With its sweeping melody and heartfelt lyrics about devotion, it remains a fan favorite and a staple of his early catalog.
“I Can’t Make You Love Me” (from the “Now or Never” album)
Covering a classic like Bonnie Raitt’s “I Can’t Make You Love Me” is a risky move for any artist, but Tank made it his own. Stripping away the excess and focusing on the piano and his raw vocals, he delivered one of the most emotional covers in R&B history.
“Please Don’t Go” (from the “Sex Love & Pain” album)
This song was a massive turning point for Tank. Coming off a hiatus between albums, “Please Don’t Go” reminded the world that he was a force to be reckoned with. The desperation in his voice is palpable, making it one of the most relatable heartbreak anthems of the 2000s.
“You’re My Star” (from the “Stronger” album)
While Tank is known as the master of the ballad, “You’re My Star” proved he could dominate the mid-tempo groove just as easily. This track is a breath of fresh air, leaning into a classic, feel-good soul vibe that pays homage to the icons who came before him. It’s a celebratory record that highlights his vocal clarity and his ability to craft a melody that feels both timeless and modern.
“Maybe I Deserve” (from the “Force of Nature” album)
While he has had bigger commercial peaks later in his career, “Maybe I Deserve” remains the definitive Tank song. It’s the track that started it all—a raw, honest admission of infidelity and the consequences that follow. In an era where many R&B singers played the hero, Tank won over fans by being human. It’s a timeless classic that still hits just as hard today as it did in 2001.
Honorable Mentions:
* “When We” (from the “Savage” album)
* “Compliments” (feat. Kris Stephens & T.I.) (from the “This Is How I Feel” album)
* “Stronger” (from the “Stronger” album)
* “Dirty” (from the “Elevation” album)
* “Get Back” (from the “Diary of a Mad Man” mixtape)
* “I Don’t Wanna Be Lovin You” (from the “Force of Nature” album)
* “Scream” (from the “Now or Never” album)
* “Unpredictable” (from the “One Man” album)
* “My Heart” (from the “Sex, Love & Pain” album)
* “I Hate U” (from the “Sex, Love & Pain” album)
* “SLP2″ (from the Sex, Love & Pain II” album)