Quick Read
- Mariah The Scientist releases her fourth studio album, ‘Hearts Sold Separately,’ on August 22, 2025.
- The album features the hit singles ‘Burning Blue’ and ‘Is It a Crime?’ featuring Kali Uchis.
- Executive-produced by Nineteen85, the 10-track album explores love and emotional resilience.
- Critics praise Mariah’s lyrical depth and vocal delivery, solidifying her place in modern R&B.
Mariah The Scientist has once again captured the hearts of R&B enthusiasts with the release of her fourth studio album, Hearts Sold Separately. Released on August 22, 2025, under Epic Records, the 10-track album cements Mariah’s place as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary R&B. Known for her deeply personal songwriting and emotional delivery, the Atlanta-born artist continues to push boundaries, both sonically and thematically.
A Career-Defining Project
Executive-produced by Nineteen85 of dvsn, Hearts Sold Separately is a testament to Mariah’s growth as a musician and storyteller. The album’s lead singles, “Burning Blue” and “Is It a Crime?” (featuring Kali Uchis), have already made waves on the Billboard Hot 100, marking the first time Mariah has had two simultaneous chart entries. “Burning Blue” notably became her first Top 25 hit and also topped the Apple Music charts earlier this year, making her the first female solo artist to achieve this milestone in 2025, according to AntiMusic.
The anticipation for the album was fueled by a cinematic trailer featuring Michelle “Chelley” Bissainthe, Hip Hop star Karrahbooo, and Mariah’s sister and manager, Morgan Buckles. The trailer set the stage for an album that promised vulnerability and exploration of love’s complexities—a promise Mariah delivered on in full.
Exploring Love’s Depths and Challenges
On Hearts Sold Separately, Mariah dives deep into the complexities of love, self-discovery, and emotional resilience. The album opens with “Sacrifice,” a poignant track that sets the tone for the journey ahead. Over a wistful melody crafted by Nineteen85, Mariah reflects on the toll love has taken on her. “It’s been at least three hundred days / I got stuck in your maze,” she sings, capturing the universal struggle of navigating relationships.
Other tracks, such as “All I Want + Pursuit” and “Rainy Days,” further showcase Mariah’s ability to blend raw emotion with polished production. On “Rainy Days,” she likens her longing to flowers awaiting rain, a metaphor that resonates with listeners. Meanwhile, the socially-conscious “United Nations” elevates love to a spiritual plane, referencing the Bible’s Book of Genesis and calling for unity in a divided world. “Lord, send me some good vibrations now / Help me to unite these nations now,” she sings, as noted by Rated R&B.
Why This Album Matters
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Mariah revealed the inspiration behind the album: “The climate of the world made me want to make a whole project about love. I feel like nobody prioritizes love anymore. Everybody looks at love like it’s a problem. I feel like back in the day, it wasn’t like that.” This perspective is evident throughout the album, which balances introspection with universal themes.
Building on the success of her 2023 album To Be Eaten Alive, which featured collaborations with artists like Young Thug and 21 Savage, Mariah has refined her artistic vision. Hearts Sold Separately demonstrates her ability to create music that is both deeply personal and widely relatable.
The Impact and Reception
The release of Hearts Sold Separately marks a pivotal moment in Mariah’s career. Her fanbase, which has grown significantly since her debut, has embraced the album’s themes of love and resilience. Critics have also lauded her for her lyrical depth and vocal prowess. The album’s success on streaming platforms and the Billboard charts further solidifies her status as a rising star in the R&B genre.
Mariah’s collaboration with Kali Uchis on “Is It a Crime?” and the breakout success of “Burning Blue” have also expanded her reach, introducing her music to new audiences. As AntiMusic highlights, Mariah’s ability to connect with listeners through her storytelling is what sets her apart in a crowded music landscape.
With Hearts Sold Separately, Mariah The Scientist has not only delivered a stunning album but also reaffirmed her position as a leading voice in modern R&B. Her journey is far from over, and fans eagerly await what’s next for this extraordinary artist.