Mario Returns with His New Album Titled "Happy You Arrived"
Since becoming known as a singer in the 2000s, Mario has been aiming to expand his influence beyond music through acting and other ventures. Now, the R&B artist is coming back to music with Glad You Came, his first album in six years, which introduces a refreshed version of himself over twenty years since his initial debut.
Glad You Came is a successor to his 2020 EP Closer to Mars, and it marks a return to his roots for the Grammy-nominated musician as he brings back classic R&B sounds that some believe are lacking in contemporary music. To achieve this, he enlisted the help of prominent producers such as James Fauntleroy, Bnyx, and Chiiild to create a distinctive and cohesive collection of songs showcasing his artistic talent.
“This has been in the works for a long time, mentally,” Mario shared with Stephen A. Smith. “We have created an imaginative, confident, sexy, and classic album that preserves the essence of R&B. It draws inspiration from various music genres I grew up listening to.”
“This album gives you a full range of Mario’s creative capabilities,” he continued.
Mario drew upon his experiences in love and his imagination to develop the album's themes.
“My personal triumphs and setbacks in the realm of love, along with my imagination, helped shape this body of work,” he revealed to Billboard. “By adding new dimensions to R&B and cultivating intimacy and creativity, Glad You Came echoes the core of traditional R&B and a futuristic sound that can be enjoyed in any setting.”
In January, Mario will accompany Mary J. Blige on her For My Fans Tour across the nation. The tour starts on Jan. 30 in Greensboro and concludes on April 17 in Philadelphia.
Mario's collaboration with Mary J. Blige on her For My Fans Tour is a testament to his expanding influence in the entertainment industry. As a sought-after artist, he has also been working closely with producers like James Fauntleroy to revitalize the classic R&B sounds in Hollywood, contributing to the business side of the music industry.
