British-Nigerian R&B singer Ray Blk releases her long-awaited debut studio album "Access Denied" via Island Records. Featured guests on the 14-song set range from Giggs to Stefflon Don, Kojey Radical, Suburban Plaza, and Kaash Paige. The new album means a lot to Blk, and she made sure to take some time to share some words of appreciation and also explain what the intended message of the project is: “Access Denied is for those who like myself, know disappointment too well and have learned to create boundaries as a coping mechanism for self-protection. I’ve opened up about how the childhood I had made me guarded, how disappointing relationships made me fear to love and how being told no so many times in the music industry kicked me down, but I got back up." Earlier this month, Ray Blk and Stefflon Don-assisted “Over You” by having Beenie Man — who she revealed she only met mere weeks before jump on the infectious collaboration for a top-tier remix. Before that, we’ve got a good amount of previews from the project, including cuts like “Games” featuring Giggs and the Kaash Paige-assisted “MIA.” "Access Denied" follows 2018’s "Empress," an acclaimed seven-song offering that acted as Ray Blk’s first official release under her partnership with Island Records.

If anyone were to get a second chance at redefining themselves, they would most probably take the opportunity to do so. Now, Jeremy Zucker plans to do exactly that through his sophomore album, “Crusher.” His new album is a far leap from their first as it is marked by unfettered anger and a more roaring sound, its musicality and overall look directly respond to their 2020 debut “Love is Not Dying.” If its older sibling was a bit more melancholy in tone and lyrics thanks to themes of heartbreak, “Crusher” is coming to terms with that—and getting furious at the process, like a musical “to hell with it.” “I felt like a little lost after [‘Love is Not Dying’]. It took me a while to figure out who I was and what I stood for. When you get wrapped up in relationships, like going through a breakup, it’s really easy to lose yourself when you have really strong feelings. ‘Crusher’ is finding myself again,” Jeremy explained during a recent press con. Nonetheless, they called it their “most intense album” to date, which they consider “emotionally and sonically” the “peak” of their career. While loud anger is a blatant topic that’s hardly a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it sort of deal, “Crusher” is a kaleidoscope of feelings, with 12 tracks comprising of jumbled eclectic sounds and emotions. According to the musician, the album is Jeremy at his most authentic, and it came about after a series of reflective moments with themself and with their closest peers.

Over the last few years, South Korean girl group TWICE has gone through refining their sound, smoothing out the cute cheer of their early releases in favour of cooler and slicker songs. It's a move that's worked out well for them, bringing them the irresistible likes of "Fancy" and "Feel Special." They have now released their first official English single, "The Feels," they meld the two sides of their character together to leave something bright and bubbly, but with that more mature that's coloured their recent work. “Boy I, boy I, boy I know / I know I got the feels,” the girl group sing on one of the most instantly infectious refrains of the year. It’s fun and a little silly – no time for pining in the nine-member group’s world – turning the swooning feeling of having a crush into a bolt of brilliant boldness. “Catching feels like butterflies / If I say what’s on my mind / Would I hit the bullseye?” Sana asks. With the continued rise of K-pop in the West, putting out English-language songs has become almost as common as Japanese releases in the industry. Just take a look at boybands like BTS and MONSTA X, who have scored their most significant successes abroad with those records. "The Feels" It’s an undeniable bop that feels primed to serve as a gateway to lure more pop fans down the TWICE rabbit hole.

Tony Bennett and Lady Gaga have released their second duet album, "Love for Sale," which is billed as the legendary singer’s final recording. Immaculately dressed in a procession of intelligent suits, Bennett is as classic as it gets, the 95-year-old bringing timeless big band tunes to life with his effortlessly smooth pipes since the late 1940s. Lady Gaga, meanwhile, has long been a master of exploring the many facets of boundary-pushing pop, drawing on everything from Eurotrash (second album ’Born This Way) and country-tinged soft-rock (2016’s "Joanne") to the futuristic cyberpunk of her most recent studio album 2020’s "Chromatica." Spanning some of Porter’s best-known classics, the tracklist also includes Frank Sinatra’s Porter-penned signature songs ‘I’ve Got You Under My Skin’ and ‘I Get a Kick Out of You’. At times, it all feels very jazz-hands; singing solo on ‘Let’s Do It’, Gaga goes full musical theatre, humming appreciatively as trumpeter Brian Newman lets rip with a solo. ‘Love For Sale’ is best when Bennett and Gaga playfully trade lines and sing in unison, with the veteran singer countering his collaborator’s belting vocal with artful restraint. Though they’re vastly different icons, from entirely different generations, it’s testament to their power that both artists find their own voices in such timeless classics.

Brandi Carlile releases the follow-up to her Grammy-winning "By the Way, I Forgive You" with her new album, titled "In These Silent Days," which includes the first single, "Right on Time." The strength of 2018's "By the Way, I Forgive You" opened new doors for the hometown girl who used to pack them in at a little Queen Anne pub. The stages grew more prominent, the spotlights brighter. "In These Silent Days" was conceived of while Carlile was quarantined at home with longtime collaborators and bandmates Tim and Phil Hanseroth. The ten songs chronicle acceptance, faith, loss and love and channel icons like David Bowie, Freddie Mercury, Elton John and Joni Mitchell - the latter two who, by some sort of cosmic alignment of the stars, have turned out to be close friends in addition to being her biggest heroes and inspirations. Song after song is fitted out with Joni Mitchell touches, from the innocent fingerpicked melancholy of "This Time Tomorrow" recalling "The Circle Game" to the ebullient "Big Yellow Taxi"/"This Flight Tonight" strumming fueling "You and Me on the Rock" to the vocal inflections that Carlile deploys with both pinpoint accuracy and emotive effectiveness on "When You're Wrong," "Throwing Good After Bad," and others.

JoJo has released her new project "capsule project" called "Trying Not To Think About It." which the first offering from the project was the single "Worst (I Assume). "Trying Not To Think About It" is an EP made up of 12 tracks that showcase honesty, vulnerability, and transparency around mental health. JoJo adds, "Trying Not To Think About It is a result of feeling sooooo lost, scared, and confused at the end of 2020 – desperate to believe in/find my light once again. Sometimes we feel like we're the only ones. But we NEVER are alone in our darkness. If you listen, I hope this project makes you feel seen, validated, not crazy, and hopeful that you won't feel bad forever. You're more in control than you think. Guys – I am overwhelmed with gratitude to perform these new songs + some of your faves on six intimate, very, very special Live tour dates in October. I can't wait to see you. And FEEL you." JoJo released her latest track, "Creature Of Habit," back in May. The star had planned to embark on the UK and European headline tour this year, but they cancelled the dates in January due to COVID concerns. In May 2020, JoJo's fourth studio album, "Good to Know," debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard R&B Albums Chart and earned widespread global acclaim.

International global pop music group formed in Los Angeles Now United has released the video “Ikou,” a new track that highlights the vocals of Japanese member Hina Yoshihara. The clip recordings were made in Mexico shortly after passing through Brazil, with a predominance of the group's girls – some boys appear at the end. The whole vibe is very colourful and danceable, showing that the members are having fun – as well, as the audience will be excited too. Any Gabrielly likes the fanfics Now United loverswrite about her and the group. During a live on Instagram on Wednesday (8/9), she said she had read some and was impressed. “I think it's 'time' the people writing. I think it's really cool. I find it organized, interesting. I think if I had to write a fanfic… I find it very difficult. At least the ones I've seen, they're really well made. I think the dialogues are cool sometimes. I've never read a whole one, but I've read bits and pieces of some – the most famous ones, which people comment, I usually read them. Just to find out what it is. I think it's cool. Sometimes I see things and leave right away, because of right? The fanfic is talking about me. It's different for you to read when you're the character (laughs)”, he commented.

California indie rock trio Wallows released their new single, “I Don’t Want to Talk,” along with a music video and a 2022 tour announcement. Fans last heard from indie-pop band Wallows with their "Remote" EP, their latest release following their 2019 full-length debut, "Nothing Happens." The band has been managing a prolific release schedule, even during the pandemic, delivering collaborations with Remi Wolf this year along with a deluxe edition of last year’s "Remote" EP in February. “I Don’t Want to Talk” has a similar sound to “Pleaser,” a single released in 2017. With layered vocals from lead vocalist Dylan Minnette and lead guitarist Braeden Lemasters and a poppy undertone, the song is filled with catchy lyrics with upbeat delivery. The song’s fast drumbeat introduction transitions right into Minnette singing, catching your attention right away. A thick guitar beat and harmonica in the background add a blissful vibe to melancholy lyrics. The song falls between upbeat indie pop and a heartbreak anthem. The Los Angeles-based trio is heading off on the first run of their "Tell Me That’s Over" tour starting on April 1, 2022, in North America. Tickets will go on sale at 10 a.m. local on October 8. Big fans can sign up for their newsletter to get first access to a special pre-sale beginning at 10 a.m.

Elton John and Stevie Wonder have teamed up for a new collaboration entitled "Finish Line." Elton John and Stevie Wonder were the first two artists to have albums that debuted at #1 on the Billboard album charts, back in the pre-SoundScan days when that was pretty much an impossible task, and they’ve worked together a few times over the years. Stevie Wonder, for instance, played harmonica on Elton John’s 1983 hit “I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues,” and both Wonder and John sang on Dionne Warwick’s 1985 chart-topper “That’s What Friends Are For.” The track will appear on "The Lockdown Sessions," and recently announced collaborations album, featuring Lil Nas X, Miley Cyrus, Dua Lipa, Eddie Vedder and more. In a few weeks, Elton John will release the new album "The Lockdown Sessions," a collection of collaborations with people like Stevie Nicks, Eddie Vedder, and Young Thug and Nicki Minaj. We’ve already heard his tracks with Dua Lipa and Charlie Puth, and now his latest “Finish Line,” with Stevie Wonder. It’s the first straight-up duet that John and Wonder have ever released, and it’s a big gospel-style number with backup vocals from Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir. "The Lockdown Sessions" is out on October 22nd via Interscope Records.

Tori Amos is back with brand new music entitled “Speaking With Trees,” the first offering from her new album "Ocean to Ocean." Set for release via Decca on October 29, ‘Ocean To Ocean’ is, according to Amos, “a record about your losses, and how you cope with them.” “Thankfully, when you’ve lived long enough, you can recognize you’re not feeling like the mom you want to be, the wife you want to be, the artist you want to be,” she added. “I realized that to shift this; you have to write from the place where you are. I was in my private hell, so I told myself, then that’s where you write from – you’ve done it before….” "Speaking With Trees" is the second track on "Ocean To Ocean" and addresses the absence of live music during the coronavirus pandemic. Amos revealed that she had initially been writing “a very different album” last year that would be released before the US election in November. "Ocean to Ocean" consists of realizations from her time in the lockdown and explores what she learned of love, friendship, and splitting her time between Cornwall, Florida and on the road. It also strains from the impact of the storm on the Capitol on January 6 that resonated with Amos.

Years & Years has announced his new album "Night Call" alongside a new track and video for the new song “Crave.” In a press release, Years & Years’ Olly Alexander said, “‘Crave’ is a playful way of inhabiting the deranged sexual energy I’ve always wanted. In the past, I felt like toxic relationships have dominated me, and I felt like it would be fun to turn it on its head.” It’s been a little over three years since the last Years & Years album, "Palo Santo." Not that Olly Alexander hasn’t been plenty busy in recent times — covering Lady Gaga and Lil Nas X, performing Pet Shop Boys’ “It’s A Sin” with Elton John, starring in the HBO show of the same name, and releasing standalone tracks like “Starstruck.” Taking on that role for "It’s A Sin" was partially an inspiration on "Night Call." The album reportedly finds Alexander playing with writing in character a bit more. It’s also an album that shoots for a wild nightlife release. “I was writing from a fantastical space, stuck in the same four walls,” Alexander said in a statement. “I wanted to have as much pleasure as possible in the music.” "Night Call" is due out January 7 via Interscope. It’s the third album from Years & Years, following 2018’s "Palo Santo" and 2015’s "Communion." Years & Years is now the solo project of Olly Alexander.

Megan Thee Stallion, Maluma and Rock Mafia have released their new collaboration "Crazy Family," part of The Addams Family 2 soundtrack. After featuring on Lil Nas X's "Montero" album track "Dolla Sign Slime" earlier this month, and also hopped on a remix of BTS' "Butter." She is also reportedly set to appear on Ozuna's forthcoming single alongside BLACKPINK. The song will be officially launched with its video clip on the same day as the second part of 'The Addams Family,' whose first installment was in 2019. The film features the voices of Oscar Isaac, Charlize Theron, Chloë Grace Moretz, Nick Kroll, Javon Walton, Snoop Dogg, Bette Midler, and Bill Hader. It will be theatrically released in the United States by United Artists Releasing and internationally by Universal Pictures on October 1, 2021. It was previously scheduled for October 22 and October 8 but was pushed forward to October 1, 2021, allowing the James Bond film "No Time to Die" (another MGM title) to take over the October 8 slot. The film will also become available for online rental on the same day, in the United States and Canada, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, On October 1, Maluma will be making his presentation at Madison Square Garden in New York, within his North American tour, "Papi Juancho Tour."

Singer-songwriter Bre Kennedy has released her new single "Pivot In Place," the last single from her album "Note To Self," which comes out on Oct. 8. Bre says It's an acoustic anthem about letting go & surrendering to learning to turn on a dime & pivot through life's changes. A reminder to myself to enjoy the dance of chance & growth." "Pivot in Place" is the seven-track off her debut album to be released Oct. 8. "Note to Self" also featured her recently released singles "Milestones," "Boundaries," "Introvert," "Control," "Wilburn Street," and "Progress." Bre Kennedy creates music soaked in rich storytelling with piercing pop sensibilities. For many years she wrote with other artists and for other artists and is now allowing her music to take center stage. Her delicate, raspy sound soars are influenced by mesmerizing talents like Brandi Carlile, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty and Cat Power. The singer has also opened for renowned artists such as Sheryl Crow, Gary Clark Jr. and Birdtalker. In 2019 she released her acclaimed, buzzworthy EP Jealous of Birds, making her a definite artist to watch. With her second EP released the following year in 2020 Twenty-Something, she continues to build that momentum.

JC STEWART | DON'T SAY YOU LOVE ME JC Stewart is back with his brand new single "Don’t Say You Love Me, " the first song to preview his eagerly anticipated second EP this autumn. ‘Don’t Say You Love Me’ is already established as a firm fan favourite after being the opening song in JC’s live show for several years – and one listens precisely why he always chose to introduce himself to new audiences with the song. It brings everything that makes him an absolute rising star into one three-minute pop package. It simmers with drama as it escalates from introspective singer-songwriter verses before erupting into an immediately memorable hook. JC says JC Stewart wrote “Don’t Say You Love Me” with Sam Merrifield (Mimi Webb) and the song’s producer Nathaniel ‘Detonate’ Ledwidge. It was subsequently completed with mixing from the Grammy-nominated Matty Green. Emerging from Northern Ireland, JC Stewart possesses all the traits needed to become a globally recognized artist. His music is powered by a voice as real and powerful as the heartfelt emotions he explores. Yet while his talent is remarkable, his personality is relatable. SCOTTY SIRE | MOOD SWINGS Musician, entrepreneur and digital creator Scotty Sire premieres "Mood Swings” his first single release with Fearless Records. On "Mood Swings," Sire details the whole rollercoaster of emotions one feels throughout life and how they can change drastically in an instant. Scotty Sire's studio album What’s Going On was released in September 2019 and was followed by a 30-city headline tour in partnership with Live Nation. His fingerprint-distinct blend of alternative pop and hip-hop has a sense of humour while unexpectedly ironic and reflective. Scotty's music understands and explores the angst, social anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues prevalent in today's young adult culture. The 29-year-old has garnered more than 135 million Spotify streams to date and amassed more than 390M+ YouTube views. He has treaded the transition from a YouTube creator to a musician with alternative pop and hip-hop songs inflected with his darkly ironic sense of humour. GIVEON | FOR TONIGHT After being featured alongside some of the world’s biggest stars in less than a year, Givēon returned today with his first new solo material of 2021. The emotional ballad “For Tonight” finds the Long Beach crooner in his bag as he yearns for his lover, with a full, ethereal video directed by Sophia Nahli Allison to match. Givēon announced the single in a social media teaser on Monday; a press release says it’ll appear on his debut album later this year. The Sevn Thomas-produced “For Tonight” is Givēon’s debut solo release of 2021; the R&B powerhouse has consistently dominated. He was featured on Justin Bieber’s “Peaches,” the No. 1 song in the country in March, giving both Givēon and Daniel Caesar their first No. 1 and one of the stronger contenders for song of the summer. Givēon​​​​​​​ is additionally gearing up to embark on his Timeless Tour, a 14-city run that will kick off in Detroit on Nov. 28. The tour announcement came after he and Bieber won the award for Best Pop for “Peaches” at the MTV VMAs, with Bieber using his acceptance speech to give a quick shout-out to the singer. JORDY | IF HE'S IN YOUR BED Pop artist JORDY has released his new single entitled "If He's In Your Bed," which is filled with anecdotes about cancelling plans and wasting time and money on the wrong people, the track sends some serious advice on protecting yourself from guys who could not care less. Over a lighthearted pop beat, JORDY sings, “Stop making messes just to hide in messes” and “Don’t send that message ’cause you’re bored with nothing better to do,” knowing that all of it will lead to even more issues later. The video for the track is a cute take on 80s poolside music videos, filled with bright colours and a playful storyline that go well with the catchy melodies. We see JORDY being a bit extra, trying to catch the attention of a lifeguard on duty. As much as this lifeguard tries to avoid interacting with JORDY, he ultimately has to jump into the pool and rescue JORDY from drowning. JORDY shares about the track, “I missed my friend’s beach party to hang out with a stupid boy who didn’t deserve my time. We all have ‘weak’ moments, the spontaneous urge to be held, to be touched. But when it starts to interfere with the things that make you the most happy, you begin to realize that maybe changes are necessary. SANTANA | WHITER SHADE OF PALE Carlos Santana has released the third single from his upcoming album "Blessings and Miracles," a soulful cover of Procol Harum’s "Whiter Shade of Pale," He teams up with fellow electric guitar icon Steve Winwood. Santana recalled how back in 2017, he and Winwood were sharing a bill at a concert at London’s Hyde Park and suggested they record the song: "I said, 'You and I have to do it, but we’re going to do it very sexy, like a Hare Krishna but with congas.' I played the components in his ear, and he said, 'I hear it, Carlos. You're right.' So that's what we did — it’s Santana, Cuban, Puerto Rican in an African way. And man, you talk about sex. Steve’s voice is so sexy and beautiful." "Whiter Shade of Pale" joins the previously released "Move," which marked the first time Santana had teamed up with singer Rob Thomas since the pair released their monumental megahit "Smooth" in 1999. Many notable collaborators appeared on "Blessings and Miracles," with Kirk Hammett, Chris Stapleton, Rick Rubin, Diane Warren, Corey Glover, Ally Brooke, Narada Michael Walden and the late Chick Corea, all confirmed to be making an appearance on the album. JANA KARMA | VOICES ACM Award-winning singer Jana Kramer has released her new single “Voices.” The song, written by good friend Sara Brice & Deleah Shane and produced by Bruce Wiegner, marks the first release from the singer and actress in more than a year. The independent release speaks to the inner struggle often felt when dealing with self-doubt and insecurities. Speaking to feeling less than and not enough, “Voices” later provides a message of hope and strength. "This song was really important for me and helped me a lot through my divorce because obviously during that time, all I heard was the negative voices; that I wasn't lovable, I wasn't enough, I wasn't worthy, that I was broken," says Kramer, 37. "And this song was something that helped me get out of that and to believe that I am worthy, I'm not broken, I do deserve love." Since her divorce, Kramer has been linked with former NFL quarterback Jay Cutler — and the pair were spotted together at a bar opening in Tennessee earlier this month. Last week, Kramer attended the iHeartRadio Music Festival in Las Vegas and planned to keep her next relationship on the down-low.

Coldplay has returned with yet another surefire radio hit, this time teaming up with beloved K-pop group BTS. "My Universe," from the band's forthcoming ninth studio album "Music of the Spheres." The track, co-written in English and Korean by both groups, celebrates life's small wonders; the universe becomes a metaphor for a romantic relationship where both partners overcome societal barriers by understanding their differences. The song soothes hardships, reminding us of the ways we shine a light on each other's lives. Even through heavy conversations on love and discrimination, "My Universe" remains hopeful throughout with its punchy drumline and inspirational lyrics. "We really don't believe in any boundaries or separation of anything really, and so the song My Universe is about someone being told they can't love a certain other people, or can't be with this race, or they can't be gay, whatever it might be," Coldplay frontman Chris Martin explained on "The Kelly Clarkson Show" earlier this month. "And we thought it would be good to sing this with BTS because maybe we're not supposed to be together." Once our current boundary of the pandemic has been conquered, both bands will return to the stadiums around the world. The sparkling euphoria of "My Universe" will fit right in that environment, a shooting star of a song that barely puts a foot wrong.

Scottish singer and songwriter Nina Nesbitt has released a new single entitled "Life Is A Bitch." As for many of us, the pandemic has profoundly affected our mental health, with everything from depression to anxiety to loneliness arising to the surface. And someone who knows this well is Nesbitt, as her new song is the soundtrack of her cry dancing, smiling through the tears moments." However, the singer-songwriter went on to add that this "anthem for powering through tough times and not taking life too seriously" came surprisingly easy, as it was written in 30 minutes with production duo Jack & Coke over Zoom. Explaining that the "stream of consciousness" song felt like something that "just poured out at the right time," Nesbitt said the track was inspired by her propensity to keep things to herself "until they rise to the surface," though she's now a proponent of "embracing" even the ugliest and most uncomfortable parts of you. The accompanying Wolf James-directed music video follows a "Perfect Nina" character who attempts to run away from her worries in a getaway car, ignoring the red flags and pretending that everything is fine — even if she soon learns that she can't outrun her problems or the darkness that comes with them.

Carrie has released her album "My Gift" (Special Edition) featuring three additional tracks. Initially released September 25, 2020, Carrie’s first-ever Christmas album, My Gift, debuted #1 across multiple global charts, including Billboard’s Country, Christian and Holiday album charts. An Underwood co-write called "Favorite Time of Year" is one of the three additions to the special edition album. The song was an Amazon Original last fall and part of her HBO Max Christmas special. A mashup of "Let There Be Peace" and "Something in the Water" from that same special will close the new release. Additionally, a Michael W. Smith and Wayne Kilpatrick co-write called "All Is Well" will be featured on the album. This is the only truly new recording of the 14. Smith originally cut the song in 1989, but he and Underwood came together to re-cut it for his 2014 album, "The Spirit of Christmas." "My Gift" is a combination of beloved traditional songs celebrating the spiritual nature of Christmas and several originals, two of which were written by Carrie, frequent collaborator Brett James (“Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “Something In The Water”), and her "Cry Pretty" co-producer, David Garcia. "My Gift" led to an album of gospel songs called "My Savior," released early in 2021. Underwood's last studio album of country songs was "Cry Pretty," released in 2018.

After several singles, the soundtrack for the new movie musical "Dear Evan Hansen" has finally been released. The film is also now in theatres everywhere. "Dear Evan Hansen" centers on the title character who embarks on a journey of self-discovery when a letter he wrote for a writing exercise falls into the hands of a grieving couple whose son took his own life. Ben Platt reprises the title role after winning a Tony Award for his performance on Broadway. The film's cast also includes Oscar winner Julianne Moore as Evan's mom Heidi, Oscar nominee Amy Adams as Cynthia Murphy, Danny Pino as Larry Murphy, Dever as Zoe Murphy, and Nik Dodani as Jared Kleinman. The soundtrack features popular songs like "Waving Through a Window" and "You Will Be Found," in addition to the new tracks "The Anonymous Ones" and "A Little Closer." There are also covers from stars like Sam Smith, Carrie Underwood, SZA, and Tori Kelly. "Dear Evan Hansen" began previews at the Music Box on November 14, 2016, before an official opening on December 4. The musical was nominated for nine 2017 Tony Awards, winning six: Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, Best Original Score, Best Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical (Platt), Best Featured Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical (Rachel Bay Jones), and Best Orchestrations. The musical will return from its coronavirus-caused hiatus beginning December 11, with Jordan Fisher back in the title role.

The Nottingham-born, Grammy-nominated Nao has experienced a lot in the past three years, from becoming a mother to suffering severe burnout. She is now releasing her new album, "And Then Life Was Beautiful," which captures a sense of healing and offers hope. The opening title track is reminiscent of the soulful age of early 2010s R&B when stars like Elle Varner thrived on bluesy chords and deeply emotional lyrics. The way utilizes fluttery mandolin loops like those heard on "Pink + White," a track from Frank Ocean's second album "Blonde." Nao has cited the record as an inspiration for her organic and more acoustic sound this time around. What she does best on this record is a departure from her previous work, which evokes the sultry nature of jazz. This is nowhere more evident than on "Good Luck," featuring rising R&B legend Lucky Daye; it's a perfect male-female ballad. At the start of her career, Nao played around with electronic synths before moving to the more commercial pop-R&B of "Saturn." With this album, there's a deeper appreciation for the genre. "And Then Life Was Beautiful" truly is a true celebration of R&B. Nao has still created a record that doesn't sound like anyone else. If you need to do a little soul-searching yourself, this soulful record is an excellent place to start.

Ne-Yo is back to launch a new era as the singer/songwriter has released “What If,” his first single of 2021. On the new song, produced by Ebenezer and Magnus Klausen, Ne-Yo looks back at a failed relationship that he wished had worked out. He professes if things had gone as planned in the romance, they’d still be in love. For fans who listen closely to the song’s production, they know instantly it puts them in the mind of his previous "R.E.D." and "Libra Scale" eras, respectively. Ne-Yo last released his previous full-length album Good Man in 2018. The title track peaked at the top position on the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart ahead of its release date. Later in the year, "Good Man" received praise from Rated R&B, making the year-end best R&B albums list. He continued to focus on his music, releasing the two songs made for sync (“Genesis,” “Time Loop”), a holiday album "Another Kind of Christmas," the O.T. Genesis-assisted “Pinky Ring,” and the Jeremih-featured “U 2 Luv,” the last of which was another number one R&B single. In February of this year, he reissued his double-platinum debut album "In My Own Words" for its 15th anniversary. In addition, he appeared on D-Nice’s recent single “No Plans for Love,” featuring Kent Jones.