Every Friday, Rated R&B brings you the most essential releases of the week. In this week’s edition, Mariah Carey links with an alt-R&B phenomenon for a special remix, Cleo Sol returns with her first album in three years and Eric Bellinger delivers his most personal project to date. Dive into it below.
Mariah Carey, Rochelle Jordan – “Didn’t Mean To Turn You On”
No one celebrates their discography like Mariah Carey. The music icon has festive plans for the 25th anniversary of her cult classic Glitter, including a vinyl reissue and digital deluxe edition. Ahead of its Oct. 30th release, Carey has unveiled a special remix of “Didn’t Mean To Turn You On” featuring alt-R&B/pop singer Rochelle Jordan. The reimagined version was produced by Jordan’s longtime collaborator KLSH.
Cleo Sol – Gentlewoman
Cleo Sol’s fifth album, Gentlewoman, arrived exactly five years after her lauded sophomore album, Mother. While the latter explored Sol’s journey into motherhood, Gentlewoman expands on that premise as she contemplates the cyclical nature of love — in family, romance and self — through the guidance of her faith. Like any Cleo Sol album, it’s best absorbed by pressing play and allowing the soulful sounds to reach your ears and fill your heart, as she intended.
Coco Jones – “Love Me Through”
The newly married Coco Jones, who tied the knot with Donovan Mitchell earlier this month, has a new anthem for lovebirds and hopeless romantics. “Love Me Through” celebrates all that love has to offer — the good, the bad and the ugly — which has a way of making the bond feel stronger.
Lucky Daye, Leon Thomas – “Fly U Out”
The rising cost of airfare isn’t bothering Lucky Daye. On “Fly U Out,” featuring Leon Thomas, Daye yearns for an in-person connection with a love interest — one so urgent that he’s willing to book a ticket just so she can be with him.
Eric Bellinger – Eric Bellinger
Fans of Eric Bellinger know how deep his discography is. After dropping more than 30 projects over nearly 15 years, his self-titled album immediately eclipses all. The 10-track album, out via Tamla Records, is Bellinger’s most realized work to date. By foregoing features, the 42-year-old sets a more intimate scene for listeners to see how much he’s matured over the years. The standout opener, “I Need Help,” is an autobiographical plea to be honest enough to know when to call on your support system. The rest of the album explores themes around accountability, forgiveness, gratitude and love.
Jaymin – “Rollin”
Jaymin may be a lover boy, as explored on his Sweet Nothings EP earlier this year, but he knows every relationship hits a few bumps in the road. On “Rollin,” the Seattle native asks his partner if she’s still in it for the long haul. As he puts it, “‘Rollin’ embodies both the desire to keep something alive and the question of whether the other person feels the same.” His new track is taken from his upcoming EP, STATIC, out Sept. 18 via Warner Records.
Jorja Smith – What Are The Odds
Be prepared to break a sweat while listening to Jorja Smith’s What Are The Odds. Produced by P2J, the album is packed with an eclectic mix of UK garage, grime and Afro house that provoke movement. “This is music to make you move,” says Smith. “This is a record for driving and vibing.”
Leon Bridges – Happiness Anytime: Part 2
Leon Bridges’ joyful era continues. As he prepares to release his fifth album, Happiness Anytime, in September, the genre-bending singer unlocks four more songs, including the title track. On “Talk It Over,” Bridges attempts to resolve a rift in a relationship through a simple means of communication.
Miles Caton – “Lean On”
Miles Caton’s claim to fame was for his breakout role in Ryan Coogler’s blockbuster Sinners. But the 21-year-old entertainer is also making a name for himself in music as a balladeer to watch. His resonant voice shines through on “Lean On,” as he tenderly sings about knowing when to love from a distance — yet remain close enough when they need emotional support.
Louis York – “I Found a Home”
New American Soul duo Louis York (Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony) will release their third album, The Matter of the Heart, in November. Launching the era with “I Found a Home,” the St. Louis and New York natives celebrate a decade spent living and thriving in Nashville. “Now I fook a winding road to Music City / But I think I’m starting to like this country life,” they sing.
Q Parker – “Stare”
Q Parker is back with another dose of romance. “Stare” is a spellbinding, bedroom jam that finds Parker showering his spouse with admiration for nearly five minutes. His new track is the first taste from Evolution of Romance: Volume Two, coming this fall.
Ballad – Soul-Fi, Vol. 2
Ballad is back with Soul-Fi, Vol. 2, the sequel to his 2025 EP. The latest installment trades the vibrant sounds of Vol. 1 for a moodier tone. It’s a shift that feels appropriate as summer begins to settle into fall. Among the project’s highlights is “Saying Goodbye,” a melancholic number in which Ballad grapples with the constant feeling of losing out to love. The EP also features the Durand Bernarr-assisted single “Alone Again,” plus interludes from R&B curators Tatiana Snead (as Yan Blaze) and Gen Direct.
In Case You Missed It…
Arin Ray – LIMBO
Arin Ray’s LIMBO EP captures him going through life’s motions following 2023’s Phases III, his final project under Def Jam. | Stream
Erykah Badu & The Alchemist – “Witch Doctor”
Erykah Badu and The Alchemist will finally release their yet-to-be-titled joint album on Aug. 28. The 16-track project will include “Witch Doctor.” | Stream
SWEATA – “Did A Number”
On “Did A Number,” SWEATA sings about the betrayal of an unfaithful lover who did irreparable damage to his heart. | Stream
October London – Love Me For Me
October London’s third album, Love Me For Me, proves that his artistry transcends the vintage soul sound that brought him to prominence. Moving past his transitional second album, October Nights, London embraces his modern soul side through his signature romantic storytelling. | Stream
Discover more music on theRated R&B Playlist.
Previewupcoming R&B album releases.
