12 New R&B Releases: Durand Bernarr, Joyce Wrice, Casper Sage, Alina Baraz and More

Rated R&B is bringing you the most essential releases this week. From the traditional R&B that purists love to the boundary-pushing sounds of the alt-R&B scene, this new music roundup keeps its pulse on the essence of R&B. Dive into it below.

Durand Bernarr – BERNARR. [album]

Grammy-winning singer Durand Bernarr’s fourth album, BERNARR., is a celebration of legacy, identity and transformation. “BERNARR. is me honoring where I come from while fully stepping into who I am today,” he shares. “My father gave me the foundation, my village gave me the language and every collaborator on this album helped me expand the conversation.”

BERNARR. includes production and songwriting from Raphael Saadiq, Bryan-Michael Cox, Johntá Austin, James Fauntleroy, BongoByTheWay, and more. The follow-up to 2025’s BLOOM also features collaborations with BJ The Chicago Kid, Sevyn Streeter, Big Sean and Fauntleroy. Among the highlights are “Sugar Family,” “Undivided,” “Bloom” and “My Life,” though the album is best enjoyed from start to finish.

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Joyce Wrice — “Crack The Code”

Someone has found the key to Joyce Wrice’s heart on “Crack The Code,” and as she sings, “It feels so good.” “Crack The Code” feels like a natural B-side to “Break Me In,” released in January. Whereas the latter captures the rush of intimacy, “Crack The Code” radiates the calmness of dawn.

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Chris Brown feat. Leon Thomas – “Fallin’”

Chris Brown and Leon Thomas are back for their second collaboration, “Fallin’.” The bluesy track, accompanied by a cinematic visual, is the final preview of Brown’s 12th album, BROWN, arriving May 8. One thing is for sure: Brown doesn’t fit in one box, as evidenced by the diverse singles he’s put out this era, including “Holy Blindfold,” “It Depends,” and “Obvious.”

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India Shawn – Subject To Change [EP]

On Subject To Change, India Shawn drifts through the motions of love. Produced by D’Mile, the six-track includes the singles “Cotton Candy Blvd” with Lucky Daye and “Kill Switch,” as well as the breezy standout “Marmalade.”

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Alina Baraz – “Take Care Of You”

After a three-year hiatus, Alina Baraz makes a comforting return with “Take Care Of You.” Produced by Iophiile and Los Hendrixx, the track is draped in pillowy instrumentation that cradles her vocals in tender devotion. She coos: “Know that it’s no pressure, baby / Hope you know I’ll follow / I’ll go to the depths of it / I’ll take care of you.”

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The-Dream — “Bring That Body”

We’re getting a new album from The-Dream this year. “Bring That Body,” the first single from Love/Hate 2, is a return to form. His upcoming project will mark his first release under a major label (Republic Records) since 2013.

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Jessie Reyez, Muni Long – “Ain’t U Tired?”

Jessie Reyez and Muni Long are ready for a potential partner to stop running on their new collaboration “Ain’t U Tired?” They don’t necessarily beg and plead, but simply ask: “Ain’t you tired of searching for someone like me?” The BongoByTheWay-produced track is the follow-up to “N.Y.F.F.,” released in mid-April.

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Chxrry, Mariah The Scientist — “Bottles & Lights”

Chxrry and Mariah The Scientist join forces for “Bottles & Lights,” an intoxicating anthem for when loyalty becomes a hangover. “I’m not your momma, I’ll leave you / Just like your father, I’ll leave you,” Chxrry sings. “Bottles & Lights” will appear on her debut album, U, Me & My Ego, coming soon via XO/Republic Records.

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Mýa, Too $hort – “Just a Little Bit”

Mýa continues to lean further into her ‘80s bag. “Just a Little Bit,” featuring Too $hort, brings the funk and the synths for a dance-ready anthem. It’s the last peek into her upcoming 10th album, Retrospect, which drops May 15.

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Ama — “So…”

Beyoncé’s “If I Were A Boy” and Ciara’s “Like A Boy” both flipped the roles to expose double standards. On Ama’s new track “So…,” the London-born singer inhabits his perspective as delayed clarity finally hits.

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Casper Sage — PATINA [EP]

Alt-R&B singer Casper Sage goes to war with nostalgia on his new EP, PATINA. The deeply reflective project is atmospheric at times, with splashes of ‘80s synths most visible in “Change Your Mind” and “Arthur” featuring Derby. “PATINA is about aging tastefully,” said Sage. “PATINA is a positive reframe of the existential dread that comes with getting older. The war on nostalgia. Sun-fade on your favorite jeans is PATINA. Old couples with young love is PATINA. A newfound meaning in an old tattoo is PATINA. Finding a space for your inner child in your adult life is PATINA. It’s what lasts the test of time.”

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Dondria – “Solitude”

Dondria embraces stillness on “Solitude,” the first single from her new album Back To Love, set to arrive this fall. [Read more about the song.]

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Jamal Roberts – “Perfect For Me”

As American Idol season 3 winner Jamal Roberts finds his footing, the vocalist unleashes another single, “Perfect For Me.” The silky ballad is a tender reminder to his partner that she remains flawless in his eyes: “You may not be perfect baby, but you’re just perfect for me.”

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