Durand Bernarr, Here We Are | Bangerz N Bopz

In the 103^rd edition of Bangerz N Bopz (2025), we highlight “Here We Are” performed by Grammy-nominated R&B singer-songwriter Durand Bernarr. 

[nx_dropcap]B[/nx_dropcap]ring on the bold, fierce songs! Bangerz N Bopz serves up background info and insight into songs of various styles, especially songs that raise eyebrows and/or stir the pot.  Featured records can be classic or brand new. In the 103^rd edition of Bangerz N Bopz (2025), we break down “Here We Are” performed by Durand Bernarr.

[nx_pullquote]“‘Cause I know he left you / Well, hell, he left me too / But what’s the use / When all in all.”[/nx_pullquote] Oh, snap! Those memorable lyrics hail from talented R&B singer-songwriter, Durand Bernarr (Bernarr Durand Ferebee Jr.).  The song at hand, “Here We Are”, serves as proof that R&B is alive, well, and intriguing to the nth degree. “Here We Are” is the 11^th track from Bernarr’s 2025 album, BLOOM. Bernarr penned it with Timothy Bloom, Bellarose Jade Blü, and Lyle Johnson. Bloom, Johnson, Alex Yake, Kent Hooper, Jeff Jackson, and Ronald Yonni Ferebee Jr. produced it.

[nx_pullquote]“Here we are / Healing our wounded scars.”[/nx_pullquote] Oh, boy! A great groove is established from the beginning of “Here We Are.” Soulful guitars and keys provide the perfect musical accompaniment for Durand Bernarr. Additionally, lush, warm strings amplify the vibe. You know what else is soulful? Bernarr, who delivers some high-flying vocals, including a gritty middle register, ripe falsetto, and some otherworldly runs. There are some playful, rhythmic vocal lines worth noting, too. “We’ve been friends for quite some time / Nothing wasted but ideal minds,” he sings in the second verse, and adds, “He left you without saying a word / But all you wanted was just to be heard.” Durand brings the tuneful melodies and heartbroken, love-centric lyrics to life effortlessly, particularly the chorus, excerpted earlier, and continues as follows: “Here we are / Under the northern star.” Notably, the bridge section does a fine job of distinguishing itself from the rest of the song. It solidifies a beautiful bond between two people who were hurt by someone else:

“Being here with you

Made the pain so worthwhile

Cause I cherish you

And I know what you do, too

What’s the use?

It’s what we are.”

Nominated for a Grammy for Best Traditional R&B Performance, Durand Bernarr kills it on the dramatic, expressive “Here We Are”. Not only is this one of the best R&B songs of 2025, but it’s also one of the best songs of 2025 regardless of genre.