WASHINGTON D.C. – A groundbreaking new study published by the Institute for Auditory Affect has definitively concluded that listening to Rhythm and Blues music continues to elicit emotional responses in human subjects. The findings, which surprised absolutely no one familiar with the genre, indicate a strong correlation between R&B tracks and feelings ranging from longing and regret to a sudden, inexplicable urge to stand dramatically in inclement weather.

“For decades, we’ve suspected that R&B might be designed to make people feel things, but we lacked the hard data,” stated lead researcher Dr. Evelyn Hayes, wiping a single tear from her eye while humming the chorus to an unidentifiable 90s slow jam. “Our extensive analysis of thousands of tracks confirms that the combination of soulful vocals, melancholic melodies, and lyrics about heartbreak or reconciliation consistently triggers a cascade of internal sentiments. We even observed a statistically significant uptick in subjects considering a dramatic, rain-soaked public confession.”

The study, which involved subjects being exposed to various R&B playlists and then asked to rate their desire to 'make things right' or 'just stand there and let the tears blend with the rain,' also noted a curious side effect. “Many participants reported a sudden clarity regarding their past romantic missteps,” Dr. Hayes added, “often followed by an overwhelming need to text an ex, regardless of the time or current relationship status.”

Critics, however, argue the study is a waste of grant money, pointing out that anyone who has ever owned a radio or been dumped could have provided similar data for free.

Further research is planned to determine if country music still makes people want to drink beer and drive trucks.