Eric Benét has returned with his new project, Duets, via his label JBR Creative Group.
The EP features five duets with women in R&B, including Chanté Moore, Corinne Bailey Rae, LaTocha, Ledisi and Tamar Braxton.
Duets opens with “So Distracted” with Moore. The sweet-sounding track is about being so enthralled by a lover that it’s hard to focus on anything else. “You got me feeling some kinda way / And it’s just so unexpected / Them late nights are on my mind / Got me staring off into space,” Moore sings.
On the Ledisi-assisted “Right Time,” they capture the anticipation of falling madly in love with someone. “You’re the one thing in life that makes sense,” Ledisi sings.
The thrill continues on the sultry lead single, “Something We Can Make Love To,” featuring Braxton. “I’ma give your body what it wants / ‘Cause baby I got so much to prove / I’m coming for you,” Benét sings.
“I could never have too much of you / My love for you / I’m ready whenever you call / Here to do whatever you want,” Braxton responds.
Though the EP mostly focuses on the highs of love, the LaTocha-featured “Work It Out” addresses the reality of conflict that may arise in a relationship. It isn’t a breakup song, though. Instead, Benét and LaTocha sing about the will to communicate, take accountability, and work together through any issues.
The closing number, “Fly Away” featuring Bailey Rae, captures how lovers can lean on each other for emotional support. “Even if the world’s on fire / I can be your wings to fly away,” they harmonize in the chorus.
Duets is Benét’s first body of work since his 2016 self-titled album. Benét told Rated R&B that his new EP will be followed by a full-length album version.
“If I look back on my entire career, I think my duets were some of the most powerful songs. For the past 10 years, it’s always been in the back of my mind, like, ‘Yo, one of these days, I need to do a whole album where it’s all duets.’ This seems the perfect opportunity because I haven’t had a project out in like eight years,” Benét explained to Rated R&B.
He also teased that his Duets album will incorporate a mix of other genres with R&B at the core. “I just want people to explore because I’m exploring different genres,” Benét said when asked what he wants listeners to take away from his next album.
“I encourage people to get the whole project when it comes out because there may be some things that will resonate with you way more than the one or two singles.”
Benét will be hitting the road this fall with upcoming tour stops in Nashville, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Boston, and more. His tour dates are available at ericbenet.com.
Stream Eric Benét’s new EP Duets below.
