Mario has announced his new album, Glad You Came, which will released Dec. 13 via New Citizen/Epic Records.
The R&B crooner’s sixth album, produced by James Fauntleroy, consists of 13 tracks, including the lead single “Space.”
While the album’s details are still scarce, Mario’s website provides the following description: “Drawing inspiration from the timeless music of artists like Marvin Gaye and Michael Jackson, Mario commands his craft in a way that only a 20-year veteran can.”
It continues, “With intimate storytelling and lush instrumentation, supported by emotive vocal performances, Mario invites listeners into his space and reintroduces himself as one of the genre’s most game-changing artists.”
In addition to the album’s release date, Mario has unveiled the cover art, which shows him clad in a shimmering outfit in a dimly lit room, holding a rotary phone. He has also released an official trailer for Glad You Came.
The 37-second clip opens with Mario calling a woman from the same phone on the album cover. Despite being interrupted in her relaxing bath, she promptly answers the phone.
Instead of speaking, Mario puts the phone up to a radio to play an unreleased song.”Who is this?” she asks before Mario responds, “Glad you came.” She then drops the phone on the floor, leaving viewers wondering what will happen next.
Although an official tracklist has not been shared yet, Glad You Came is available for pre-order and pre-save. According to Mario’s webstore, the album will be available digitally, on CD, and on vinyl. The CD is priced at $12.98, while the limited edition Sunspot color vinyl is $26.98.
Glad You Came follows Mario’s 2018 album, Dancing Shadows, which he released independently via EMPIRE. The latter project included the singles “Drowning” and “Dancing Shadows.”
Glad You Came will also mark Mario’s first full-length album on a major label in 15 years. His fourth LP, D.N.A., was released Oct. 8, 2009, via RCA Records/Jive.
Mario announced his partnership with Epic Records in July 2023. “Right now, Epic comprises some of the greats in the music game like Sylvia Rhone and Ezekiel Lewis. I’ve been independent for eight years, so this is definitely a new chapter for me and New Citizen,” he said. “We’re going to be one of the chariots for R&B, and we’re bringing it back.”
Circling back to Mario’s current single, “Space,” the song was released Sept. 27. It debuted at No. 20 on the Billboard Adult R&B Airplay chart dated Oct. 26. It is his first entry on this chart in six years. His previous visit was with “Drowning,” which peaked at No. 28.
Mario will join Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Mary J. Blige as a special guest on her For My Fans Tour, which launches Jan. 30, 2025, in Greensboro, North Carolina.
The 27-city tour will visit Atlanta, New Orleans, Houston, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Baltimore, and more before concluding on April 14 in Boston. Tickets are on sale now.
Pre-order/pre-save Mario’s new album Glad You Came at marioworldwide.com.
