Cleveland-born singer-songwriter Durand Bernarr has emerged as one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary R&B, blending neo-soul, funk, and progressive soundscapes across his remarkable catalog. The Grammy-winning artist, known for his background work with Erykah Badu and collaborations with KAYTRANADA and Ari Lennox, has crafted an impressive discography that showcases his exceptional vocal range and genre-defying artistry. This comprehensive guide explores the twenty best Durand Bernarr songs that have defined his career and cemented his status as a transformative force in modern music.
Overqualified
Featured on Bernarr’s Grammy-winning album BLOOM, this track earned a nomination for Best R&B Song at the 2026 Grammy Awards and showcases the artist’s vulnerability and self-awareness. The song explores themes of being undervalued despite bringing exceptional talent to relationships and professional situations, a sentiment that resonates deeply with listeners navigating modern life. Bernarr’s performance on The Tamron Hall Show brought this track to daytime television audiences, demonstrating its mainstream appeal and emotional depth.
STUCK (feat. Ari Lennox)
This standout collaboration from the 2020 DUR& album remains one of Bernarr’s most beloved tracks, perfectly capturing the chemistry between two of R&B’s most compelling voices. The song warns about getting emotionally stuck in complicated relationships while delivering an infectious melody that became a fan favorite. Bernarr’s dynamic vocal delivery, shifting seamlessly between high registers reminiscent of D’Angelo and low groovy frequencies akin to Nate Dogg, showcases his remarkable versatility and vocal control throughout the track.
Freefall (feat. Durand Bernarr)
While technically a KAYTRANADA track from the Grammy-winning BUBBA album, this 2019 collaboration is quintessentially Bernarr’s moment to shine with his co-writing and featured vocals. The song exemplifies the perfect marriage between KAYTRANADA’s innovative electronic production and Bernarr’s soulful delivery, creating an atmospheric experience that became one of the album’s standout moments. This track introduced Bernarr to a wider international audience and demonstrated his ability to elevate any production with his distinctive voice.
Mango Butter
From the 2022 Wanderlust album, this viral hit became a cultural moment that expanded Bernarr’s fanbase exponentially across social media platforms. The track’s smooth, sensual groove paired with playful lyrics showcases Bernarr’s ability to create music that’s both sophisticated and accessible to mainstream audiences. The song’s popularity on streaming platforms helped establish Bernarr as a force in contemporary R&B, proving his ability to craft songs that resonate beyond traditional genre boundaries.
Reaching
This BLOOM album highlight demonstrates Bernarr’s incredible vocal range and arrangement skills, with the artist singing every part and note himself over a percussion rhythm reminiscent of Sade’s timeless production. The track captures the hopeful and emotionally daring essence of Bernarr’s artistry, with an infectious chorus that feels both intentional and masterful. Critics have praised this as one of the standout tracks from the Grammy-winning album, showcasing Bernarr’s growth as a songwriter and producer.
Here We Are
Earning a 2026 Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance, this track from BLOOM exemplifies Bernarr’s ability to honor classic R&B traditions while pushing boundaries. The song’s arrangement and production quality reflect the artist’s deep appreciation for the genre’s history while maintaining his contemporary edge. Bernarr’s vocal performance here is particularly noteworthy, demonstrating the technical prowess that has earned him comparisons to R&B legends throughout his career.
Completed
This rock-infused track from BLOOM leans fully into a Prince-influenced aesthetic, complete with a powerful guitar solo that showcases Bernarr’s willingness to experiment across genres. The song demonstrates his versatility beyond traditional R&B boundaries, incorporating rock elements that expand his sonic palette while maintaining his signature vocal style. Bernarr performed this track for COLORSxSTUDIOS, where the stripped-down arrangement allowed his vocal abilities to take center stage and reach new audiences worldwide.
Impact
The lead single from BLOOM, co-written with collaborator b.kae, sets the tone for the album’s exploration of love beyond romantic intimacy. This track introduces listeners to the album’s themes of self-discovery, growth, friendship, and community with an immediately engaging hook and production. The accompanying visualizer helped build anticipation for the full album release, demonstrating Bernarr’s understanding of modern music promotion and visual storytelling.
Leveled
From the 2022 Wanderlust album, this track represents Bernarr’s journey through therapy and personal growth, themes that run throughout the project. The song’s introspective lyrics combined with sophisticated production create an immersive listening experience that invites reflection and emotional connection. Bernarr’s vocal delivery here balances vulnerability with confidence, creating a powerful statement about personal evolution and self-acceptance.
GPS
Featured on the Grammy-nominated En Route EP from 2024, this Latin-flavored, rock-infused track incorporates operatic vocals that showcase Bernarr’s fearless creativity. The song exemplifies the sonic exploration that earned En Route its Best Progressive R&B Album nomination at the 2025 Grammys. Created during a five-day recording session where Bernarr first invited collaborators into his creative process, the track represents a pivotal moment in his artistic evolution.
Melody
This powerful track from the DUR& album features unforgettable arrangements, harmonies, and emotional delivery that make it one of Bernarr’s most impactful recordings. The song demonstrates his ability to craft complex vocal arrangements while maintaining accessibility and emotional resonance with listeners. Critics have noted how this track showcases Bernarr’s incredible ability to navigate high registers while maintaining the groovy frequencies that define his signature sound.
Must Be Nice
This funkified, OutKast-inspired track from En Route demonstrates Bernarr’s ability to channel classic influences while creating something entirely fresh and contemporary. The song’s groove and production pay homage to Southern hip-hop legends while maintaining Bernarr’s distinct artistic identity throughout. This track exemplifies the progressive R&B sound that has become Bernarr’s calling card in the contemporary music landscape.
Generous
Opening the BLOOM album with this six-minute journey, Bernarr creates an experience that begins with piano chords reminiscent of Sunday morning worship services before transitioning into a funky, Chaka Khan-esque vibe. The song’s structure reflects Bernarr’s Cleveland upbringing in church, where his mother served as music director and nurtured his early musical development. The track’s prominent bass line and hand-clapping rhythm invite listeners into the album’s exploration of platonic love and community.
No Business
Written single-handedly by Bernarr, this sexy callback to 1990s R&B channels the era when singers passionately begged for lovers’ returns and acknowledgment. The track demonstrates his deep understanding of R&B history while bringing a fresh perspective that resonates with contemporary audiences. Bernarr’s production choices and vocal arrangements on this track showcase his ability to work independently while maintaining the highest quality standards.
THAT! (feat. T-Pain)
This feel-good collaboration with T-Pain from BLOOM showcases Bernarr’s ability to create tracks with viral potential and widespread dance appeal. The song’s infectious energy and production make it perfect for social media platforms while maintaining artistic integrity and sophisticated musicianship. The chemistry between Bernarr and T-Pain creates a dynamic listening experience that bridges generational gaps in R&B appreciation.
Home Alone
Closing the BLOOM album, this deeply personal seven-minute track encapsulates Bernarr’s feelings about the important people in his life, particularly his parents. The second verse’s references to never feeling condemned or thrown away reflect Bernarr’s gratitude for his supportive upbringing by his music teacher mother and audio engineer father. The song provides a soft landing to conclude the album’s exploration of love, friendship, and community.
Flounce (feat. GAWD)
This danceable collaboration with the duo GAWD showcases the importance of friendship and collaboration throughout Bernarr’s creative process on BLOOM. The track’s infectious rhythm and shared vocal duties demonstrate Bernarr’s ability to create space for other artists while maintaining his distinctive presence. The song exemplifies the communal spirit that defines much of Bernarr’s recent work and artistic philosophy.
Sam’s Vibe
Featured during Bernarr’s acclaimed NPR Tiny Desk Concert in 2023, this track from the Unblocked album became a standout moment that introduced his artistry to global audiences. The performance was hailed as a masterclass in live vocal performance, with this song particularly showcasing Bernarr’s melodic sensibilities and smooth delivery. The track’s versatility makes it perfect for any mood, demonstrating Bernarr’s range as a songwriter and performer.
Curiosity
From the DUR& album, this track explores romantic curiosity and temptation with Bernarr’s signature personality and vocal layering techniques. The song’s subject matter feels like an anthem delivered with exceptional ad-libs and phrasing that exemplify quintessential Bernarr artistry. Listeners frequently report needing to replay this track multiple times upon first hearing, testament to its immediate impact and replay value.
Volume (feat. KAYTRANADA)
This collaboration with KAYTRANADA from DUR& represents another successful partnership between these two innovative artists who share a commitment to pushing R&B boundaries. The track’s production showcases KAYTRANADA’s electronic sophistication while providing the perfect canvas for Bernarr’s vocal exploration and experimentation. This song demonstrates how Bernarr’s voice can elevate already exceptional production to create something truly transcendent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Durand Bernarr’s most popular song?
Durand Bernarr’s most popular songs include “STUCK” featuring Ari Lennox from his 2020 album DUR&, which remains a fan favorite for its infectious melody and chemistry between the artists, and “Mango Butter” from Wanderlust, which went viral on social media platforms. Additionally, “Freefall” with KAYTRANADA introduced Bernarr to wider international audiences and remains one of his most streamed tracks. His recent work from the Grammy-winning BLOOM album, particularly “Overqualified” and “Impact,” has also gained significant popularity and critical acclaim across streaming services.
Has Durand Bernarr won any Grammy Awards?
Yes, Durand Bernarr won his first Grammy Award in 2026 for Best Progressive R&B Album for BLOOM, which was released in February 2025. Prior to this win, he received his first Grammy nomination in 2025 for the En Route EP in the same category. BLOOM received three total Grammy nominations in 2026, including Best R&B Song for “Overqualified” and Best Traditional R&B Performance for “Here We Are,” making his first win particularly significant for his career trajectory and recognition within the music industry.
What albums has Durand Bernarr released?
Durand Bernarr has released several major projects throughout his career, including his 2020 album DUR& which featured collaborations with Ari Lennox, KAYTRANADA, and Anna Wise. In 2022, he released Wanderlust, inspired by Kelis’s Wanderland album and featuring viral hit “Mango Butter.” His 2024 EP En Route earned his first Grammy nomination and was created in just five days with collaborative input from other artists. Most recently, his third studio album BLOOM was released in February 2025, winning the Grammy for Best Progressive R&B Album and exploring themes of platonic love and community.
Who has Durand Bernarr collaborated with?
Durand Bernarr has collaborated with numerous prominent artists throughout his career, most notably serving as a background vocalist for neo-soul legend Erykah Badu since 2011. He has worked extensively with producer KAYTRANADA on tracks like “Freefall” from the Grammy-winning BUBBA album and “Volume” from DUR&. Other notable collaborations include Ari Lennox on “STUCK” and the “FaceTime (Remix),” T-Pain on “THAT!” from BLOOM, the duo GAWD on “Flounce,” Anderson .Paak, The Internet, Thundercat, Knxwledge, and Qveen Herby, demonstrating his versatility across different musical styles.
What genre of music does Durand Bernarr make?
Durand Bernarr primarily creates progressive R&B and neo-soul music, but his work defies simple categorization as he incorporates elements from funk, gospel, jazz, hip-hop, rock, and electronic music. His willingness to experiment across genres while maintaining his distinctive vocal style has earned him recognition in the progressive R&B category at the Grammys. Influenced by artists like Little Richard, Rick James, D’Angelo, and Kirk Franklin, Bernarr creates a sound that honors R&B traditions while pushing contemporary boundaries, as evidenced by tracks ranging from the Latin-flavored “GPS” to the rock-influenced “Completed.”
Where can I listen to Durand Bernarr’s music?
Durand Bernarr’s complete discography is available on all major streaming platforms including Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, Amazon Music, Deezer, and YouTube Music. His albums BLOOM, En Route, Wanderlust, and DUR& can be streamed or purchased digitally through these services. Physical vinyl editions of his albums, particularly BLOOM, are available through his official website and were sold during his “YOU GON GROW, TOO TOUR” which ran from spring through fall 2025. To fully appreciate Bernarr’s intricate vocal arrangements and production details, fans may want to explore quality headphones or portable earbuds for the best listening experience.