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

Mario released his long-awaited album while Ne-Yo prioritized his romantic desires. Ro James finished his music break while Chrisette Michele had a conversation with God. Drew Sidora came out of music retirement with her new single as Tank and The Bangas gave black women a new anthem full of affirmations.

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

Mario – I’m glad you came

Mario has released his sixth studio album, I’m glad you came.

James Fauntleroy serves as executive producer. The 13-track LP is his first full-length release in six years and the first under his New Citizen label. Mario noted, “The conversations throughout the album, created over the last two years, lend themselves perfectly to my successes and failures in love and my ideas about both.”

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

Speaking 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 ubiquity of everything that lends itself to the writing process. Our stories, our lives, what we observe and record.” The album was led by the vibrant single “Space” and the rousing title track.

Ne-Yo – “Show Me”

Ne-Yo’s new single “Show Me” is every bit as electrifying and sensual as you’d expect.

On the Camper production, Ne-Yo sings, “Now that we’re here, can you show me more/ What you did to me on the floor?/ Crunching like you/ But can you do it to me inside?” You?”

The accompanying image brings to life the passionate energy as a stork seller fantasizes about him and helps him. This is his second drop of 2024 and a good taste of his upcoming album.

Ro James – “Platonic”

Ro James’ music hiatus ended with the release of “Platonic,” his first single in four years.

Produced by longtime collaborator Brady Watt, the tantalizing 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,” sings the pop singer over the hypnotizing melody. 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 Did It To Me”

Drew Sidora is active in the music scene and this comeback is personal.

“I Did It To Me” is a vulnerable anthem that details how she survived a toxic relationship and took responsibility for the role she played in putting up with the BS.

“Thank you for believing in ME and being on this journey with me. It wasn’t easy and it wasn’t what I expected, but IT IS. This NEW CHAPTER of life is taking me into new spaces and doing something I have always dreamed of and pursued. MUSIC IS MY PASSION (…) Music has always been my safe space and now it has become my LIFELINE!!,” she wrote on Instagram about the new release.

This is the lead single from their new album.

Chrisette Michele – “Hallelujah”

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

“Find me a spot at the pew on Sunday morning/Maybe there’s still a little bit of life left/I need a blessing so you might have to move/I’m going to church and singing Hallelujah,” she sings on the chill track.

It is an honest reflection of what it is like to lay your burdens at the altar and give them to God. Chrisette commented on Instagram: “What do you do when God shows you who you are in front of millions of people? You can hide from the noise or emerge. Your prayer space will be private, but your music will sing the words you 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 Black woman’s journey and my personal experience as a Black woman that some, if not all, Black women share. The poem has poise, joy, courage and boldness. I think women will feel like they are seen and heard. I think it’s so powerful. It’s that strong. You’re going to love it,” Tarriona “Tank” Ball, the band’s lead singer, said in a statement.

The powerful anthem is bold and outspoken and must be a morning affirmation for black women everywhere.