"Nite and Day" by Al B. Sure!

Al B. Sure's 1988 hit is modern RnB at its finest, combining the best characteristics of Soul and Pop while avoiding the clichés that have caused so much mediocrity in contemporary Black music.

Instead of overwrought vocal gymnastics, the melody is clear and concise. The lyrics are impressionistic instead of jarringly literal. And the music is light, almost ethereal, setting a mood instead of demanding one.

Where so many artists insist on ripping their hearts out with dramatic gusto on every track, this is an example of how subtlety (with a great hook) can work, too.