After her last album, Because I Love It… back in 2007, which didn’t see a United States release, Amerie is back with her fourth studio album, In Love & War, which hits stores today (November 3), on Island Def Jam Records.

In Love & War finds itself mimicking those same hard blaring, live horn percussive sounds from her days with producer Rich Harrison. However, the album boasts no collaborations from him. Even with it’s over the top, Ray Kay-directed music video, the first single, “? Why R U,” co-produced by The Buchanans, didn’t seem to grab attention of the fans.

In contrast, “? Heard ‘Em All,” the next single to follow, got a little more love from radio and in the clubs. The online blitz began when they put out a teaser video, and fans became a little more excited to see promotion on the label’s end for Amerie. But soon after, a 106 & Park guest spot, there was little-to-no promotion coming from her or her camp.

Bryan Michael Cox laces Amerie with a soothing, sexy synth ballad on “Red Eye,” while the dynamic duo of Jim Jonsin and Rico Love help her out on “Swag Back,” which is a song about leaving a broken heart, with a clear head and a new-found sense of confidence.

In Love & War isn’t a bad album. Although it’s not the great material that Amerie was known for with Rich, she has some solid records and the album is pretty cohesive, considering the different producers that she paired with this time around. Truly, the only real gripe with the album is the lack of promotion behind it. Def Jam really dropped the ball in that aspect. But in recent interviews, Amerie says that she plans to reunite with Rich Harrison. I think that’s what she realizes her fans are really waiting for.

? OTHER TRACKS YOU’VE GOT TO HEAR: “Pretty Brown Eyes,” featuring Trey Songz, “Red Eye,” and “The Flowers.”