Mario, Ne-Yo, Ro James and more New R&B

This week in R&B was short, sweet and to the point.

Mario released his long-awaited album, while Ne-Yo took his romantic desires to the streets. Ro James finished his music break while Chrisette Michele talked to God. Drew Sidora came out of music retirement with his new single as Tank, and The Bangas gave black women a new anthem of affirmations.

Take a break from the Christmas playlists and check out these new R&B releases.

mario- Glad you came

Mario has dropped his sixth studio album, Glad you came.

Executive produced by James Fauntleroy, the 13-track LP is his first full-length release in six years and is the first under his New Citizen imprint. Created over the past two years, Mario noted, “The conversation throughout the album lays out my successes and failures in love, and my fantasy of both.”

While there are traditional elements Mario is known for on the album, it is also meant to act as an “upgraded version” of who he is and what has influenced him.

About working with Fauntleroy, Mario shared in a statement: “James and I have a similar philosophy when it comes to the love of timeless music. The omnipresence of all the things that lend themselves to the writing process. Our stories, our lives, what we observing and absorbing.” The album was led by the pulsating single “Space” and the infectious title track.

Ne-Yo – “Show Me”

Ne-Yo’s new single, “Show Me,” is as electric and sensual as you’d expect.

On the Camper production, Ne-Yo says, “So now that we’re here, can you show me more/ Of what you did to me on the floor?/ Grinding like you do/ But can you do it to me inside you ?”

The accompanying visual brings the passionate energy to life as a female stork cop fantasizes about him while helping him. This is his second drop of 2024 and is a solid tease ahead of his upcoming album.

Ro James – “Platonic”

Ro James’ hiatus from music has come to an end with the release of “Platonic,” his first single in four years.

Produced by his longtime collaborator Brady Watt, the alluring ballad highlights the importance of non-sexual intimacy and love.

“Cause we keep it platonic/ Could be the one for me/ Best part of my day, match my energy,” the crooner sings over the mesmerizing tune. This is the Ro James we’ve been missing and we can’t wait to see what else he has up his sleeve.

Drew Sidora – “I Made It Me”

Drew Sidora is on the music scene and this comeback is personal.

“I Did It To Me” is a vulnerable anthem detailing how she survived a toxic relationship and took responsibility for the role she played in tolerating BS.

“I thank YA’LL for believing and being on this journey with ME. It hasn’t been easy and it hasn’t been what I expected, but THIS IS IT. This NEW CHAPTER in life is taking me into new spaces and doing something I’ve always dreamed of and pursued MUSIC IS MY PASSION (…) Music has always been mine safe place and now it has become my LIFELINE!!,” she wrote further Instagram of the new publication.

This is the lead single from her new album.

Chrisette Michele – “Hallelujah”

Chrisette Michele fuses the worlds of gospel and R&B with her new single, “Hallelujah.”

“Find me a seat Sunday morning by the pew/ Might have some of life’s scraps/ I need a blessing so you might have to move/ I go to church and I sing Hallelujah,” she sings on the chilling track.

It is an honest reflection of what it is like to lay your burdens at the altar and surrender them to God. On Instagramsaid Chrisette, “What do you do when God teaches you who you are in front of millions of people? You can hide from the noise or you can show up. Your prayer becomes private, but your music sings the words you’ve prayed. “

Tank and The Bangas – “This Black Girl”

Fresh off their recent Grammy nomination, Tank and The Bangas return with their new song, “This Black Girl.”

“‘This Black Girl’ is about the empowering journey of black women and my personal experience as a black woman that is shared among some black women, if not all. The poem has attitude, joy, courage and sass. I think women will feel seen and heard. I think it’s so strong. You’re going to love it,” noted Tarriona “Tank” Ball, lead singer of the band.

Bold and blunt, the empowering anthem should be a morning affirmation for black women everywhere.