Frigid winter temperatures can’t stop Durand Bernarr from flourishing on his new album BLOOM.
The Grammy-nominated singer’s third album, out via Create Music Group, is rooted in the process of growth. The project includes collaborations with T-Pain and R&B duo GAWD.
Regarding his new album, Bernarr shares, “BLOOM is me in full color—raw, sentimental, and completely unfiltered. My parents made sure I knew my voice mattered, and that foundation shaped not just who I am, but the music I create.”
He adds, “This album is about growth—discovering love beyond romance, cultivating self-acceptance, and thriving in the spaces that allow us to bloom. Traces of Phyllis Hyman, Luther Vandross, Maxwell, Chanté Moore, and Missy Elliott are woven into the fabric of the album. It’s laughter, it’s anxiety, it’s frustration, it’s triumph—it’s all the things that make us human. And at the heart of it, BLOOM is an invitation to embrace every part of the journey.”
Opening with “Generous,” Bernarr gives himself permission to be open to giving and receiving love. “I won’t become what I’ve been through / I’ll give all of my love to you,” he croons.
The dance floor-ready “Flounce,” featuring GAWD, is among the album’s standout tracks. On the blissful tune, they sing about the tenderness in nurturing a love: “Flora and fauna / Show me how you wanna be watered / Flouncing through my garden with ease EASE… Ease… ease.”
On “PSST!” Bernarr checks in on a friend after hearing “unsavory things” attached to their name. “I’m not charging this moment / To who you are in totality / I got insurance for bulls—t / Once upon a time, it was me / We’re reflections, extensions of each other,” he croons.
Then there’s the funky “Overqualified,” where Bernarr vents about the relatable feeling of putting in the work but not always seeing results. The lyrics can apply to relationships, friendships, or even daily life — feeling overlooked despite effort. “How did I become that qualified? / Need someone to see me eye to eye / Gotta sit tight till the time is right,” he croons.
“Overqualified” is accompanied by a video directed by Joe Weil. It includes cameos from Kid Fury, who portrays his therapist, Stevie Mackey, and JHart.
BLOOM was preceded by the lead single “Impact,” which he co-wrote with GAWD, b.kae, and Sierra Hill.
“Sonically, ‘Impact’ gently takes you up the hill via conversation amongst like-minded people concerning intention,” Bernarr explained. “By the time you’re over the hill, you’re plummeting into a wave of electronic funk with an eerie melody that reeks of Halloween, but is in no way trying to scare you.”
BLOOM follows Bernarr’s Grammy-nominated EP, En Route, released in 2024. The project was nominated for Best Progressive R&B Album at the 67th Grammy Awards. “En Route is the by-product of my experiences and evolution as both a person and an artist. It’s me expressing exactly how I feel, what I need, and how I want to be treated,” he explained.
Before that, Bernarr released his sophomore album, Wanderlust, in 2022. The album included popular tracks like “Mango Butter” and “H.I.” featuring Devin Tracy.
Bernarr will be hitting the road this spring on his headlining You Gon Grow, Too Tour. The North American leg kicks off April 23 in Sacramento and concludes June 6 in Los Angeles. On Oct. 14, he will kick off the U.K/European leg of the tour in Cologne, Germany, and will wrap up Oct. 30 in Bristol, U.K.
Strean Durand Bernarr’s new album BLOOM below.
