Mario, Ne-Yo, Ro James, And More New R&B We Need To Show You

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

Mario released his long-awaited album, while Ne-Yo put his romantic desires on front street. Ro James ended his music hiatus while Chrisette Michele had a talk with God. Drew Sidora came out of music retirement with her new single as Tank and The Bangas gifted Black women a new anthem of affirmations.

Take a break from the holiday 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 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 lends itself to my successes and failures in love, and my imaginations of both.”

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

Of 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 of the things that lends itself to the writing process. Our stories, our lives, what we observe and absorb.” The album was led by the vibrant single, “Space” and the infectious title track.

Ne-Yo – “Show Me”

Ne-Yo’s new single, “Show Me,” is just as electric and sensual as one would anticipate.

On the Camper production, Ne-Yo croons, “So now that we’rе here, can you show me morе/ Of what you was doing to me on the floor?/ Grinding like you do/ But can you do it with me inside you?”

The accompanying visual brings the passionate energy to life as a female stork clerk fantasizing 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’ music hiatus has come to an end with the release of “Platonic,” his first single in four years.

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

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

Drew Sidora – “I Did It To Me”

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

“I Did It To Me” is a vulnerable anthem that details how she survived a toxic relationship and took accountability for the role she played in tolerating the 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 IT IS. This NEW CHAPTER of 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 my safe space and now it’s become my LIFE LINE!!,” she wrote on Instagram of the new release.

This is the lead single off her new album.

Chrisette Michele – “Hallelujah”

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

“Find me a seat Sunday morning at the pew/ Might have a little bit of life residue/ I need a blessing so you might have to move/ I’m goin’ to church and I’m singing Hallelujah,” she sings on the chilling track.

It’s an honest reflection of what it’s like to lay your burdens at the altar and give it over to God. On Instagram, Chrisette expressed, “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 closet 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 returned with their new song, “This Black Girl.”

“’This Black Girl’ is about the powerful journey of black womanhood and my personal experience as a Black woman that’s shared amongst some Black women if not all. The poem has attitude, joy, gut, and audacity. I think women will feel seen and heard. I believe it’s that powerful. It’s that strong. You’re gonna love it,” Tarriona “Tank” Ball, lead singer of the band, noted in a statement.

The empowering anthem is bold and blunt and needs to be a morning affirmation for Black women everywhere.