5 new R&B-influenced albums for when you want to Netflix and chill

Welcome to Monday.

Let’s be honest, getting through the workweek is tough. Between crappy commutes, punishing hours and business meetings at dinner, the week can feel like a prison bid. That’s what makes those few hours at home so precious. Leaving the glow of your smartphone behind after a long day’s work, the unwinding can begin. If your plans include an evening of snuggling with bae and a little “Netflix and chill,” we’ve found the perfect soundtrack courtesy of a few recent R&B-influenced albums.

Here are five new releases to keep in mind as you slog toward the weekend:

Alessia Cara, “Know-It-All.” The rising singer-songwriter broke out with “Here,” her Isaac Hayes sampling nod to antisocial pessimists that was surprisingly groovy as it was brooding. On her debut, the Canadian singer blends indie pop, R&B and folk on smartly written songs heavy on wistful coming of age, wit and wary romance -- perfect for weekend snuggling with that guy or girl you promised yourself you’d take it slow.

Omarion, “Care Package 3.” The former urban pop heartthrob turned grown and sexy crooner has crafted a short but potent third installment to his “Care Package” series of mixtapes. The eight-track offering, a follow-up to last year’s sadly overlooked “Sex Playlist,” is what you play when the friend with benefit comes over. The beats are bouncy and hypnotic and the lyrics are naughty. “Come through, we can … chill, but,” he beckons, before telling a young woman what will happen should she accept his invitations. The song is called “Netflix & Chill” just in case you were wondering what happens next.

Ty Dolla Sign, “Free TC.” As hip-hop’s favorite hooksmith, it’s almost impossible to skim urban radio stations without landing on a song featuring Ty Dolla Sign. The singer/songwriter/producer/multi-instrumentalist’s buzzy debut “Free TC” is split between the hedonistic blend of ratchet R&B and rap he’s synonymous with and the classical musicianship that informed his upbringing -- he even expanded his sonic palette to include pop hit-makers Benny Blanco and Stargate. The result? An album of tough beats and lascivious lyrics that fully embrace the no-strings-attached approach to coupling.

Justin Bieber, “Purpose.” Bieber’s comeback album might have been anchored by soulful electronic dance tracks “What Do You Mean?” and “Sorry,” but the core of the often embattled pop superstar’s new effort is tender pop-R&B paired with his angelic falsetto. The dance tracks pull you in, but there’s enough here to light a candle and swoon to.

Mila J, “The Waiting Game.” Like Omarion and Ty, Mila J isn’t as focused on matters of the heart as she is the carnal pleasures of the body. The Los Angeles singer – who you might know as the older sister of alt-R&B siren Jhene Aiko – has crafted a mixtape, an appetizer to her long gestating debut album, of originals and covers of Drake, Future, the Weeknd and Bryson Tiller all flipped to a female perspective.

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