Eric Bellinger, the talented singer-songwriter, is currently on tour supporting Jagged Edge’s “Cuffing Season” tour. In light of this, I thought it would be fitting to show him some love for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday.
The song I decided to go with from his already impressive catalog was “Drive By,” from his 2016 EP “Eric B for President: Term 1.” The song is sleek, confident, and undeniably smooth—proof that Bellinger remains one of the most consistent craftsmen in contemporary R&B.
At first listen, “Drive By” sounds like a simple pull-up anthem. Bellinger frames the narrative around a late-night cruise, but he uses the car imagery as shorthand for timing, anticipation, and unspoken chemistry. When he sings, “Baby, you know I’m on my way,” he isn’t just announcing his arrival; he’s signaling intention. The record is built on suggestion, not pressure—flirtation delivered with a relaxed touch that makes the words feel lived-in rather than rehearsed.
Production-wise, the song is a hit on all cylinders. The synths shimmer with warmth, the drums snap in all the right pockets, and the bass line gives the track its heartbeat. There’s a subtle West Coast glide woven into the arrangement—a nighttime smoothness that evokes leather seats, dim streetlights, and a quiet stretch of road. It’s seductive without being heavy, romantic without slipping into syrupy clichés. This delicate balance is one of Bellinger’s trademarks.
What sets “Drive By” apart is Bellinger’s precise delivery. His lyrics aren’t loud or overbearing; they’re controlled, charming, and rooted in mutual attraction. “Tell me where you wanna go,” he offers, flipping the usual dynamic and placing the power in her hands. It’s modern romance framed through R&B fundamentals—respectful, inviting, and rhythmic.
The beauty of the track lies in its replay value. While it may not have dominated the charts the way some of Bellinger’s other singles have, “Drive By” remains one of his most reliable mood-setters. There’s an ease to it that makes the record feel timeless. Whether it’s the start of a long night or the final song before the lights go out, the track carries the right kind of intimacy.
“Drive By” remains a standout in his catalog—smooth, confident, and built for moments when less noise and more connection are precisely what the night calls for.
Final Grade: B+
“Drive By” is available on all streaming platforms.
As a longtime music enthusiast, I’ve often wondered how quickly record labels expect lead singers from groups to release solo albums. This question came to mind recently when my iPod played “So You Like What You See” by Samuelle. Listening to the song, I realized he would be a great choice for this week’s Second Listen Sunday.
You know the voice. The moment Michael Marshall starts singing the hook in Luniz’s “I Got 5 on It,” anyone who grew up in the nineties knows exactly what time it is. However, nearly a decade before that 1995 hip-hop classic, Marshall was already responsible for another instantly recognizable vocal.
There are some albums you revisit because of nostalgia, and then there are albums you return to because they remind you just how high the standard used to be. Anita Baker’s Rapture falls into that second category. Released in 1986, the album did more than make Baker a star. It helped define what sophisticated, grown R&B could sound like without losing any soul, sensuality, or personality.