Fifteen years old and already a one-name icon with friends like Alicia Keys singing his praises, Baltimore-born Mario finds his self-titled debut burdened by the sort of expectations to which no teenager could reasonably be expected to live up. But under the expert guidance of a multitude of producers, including Warryn Campbell (Dru Hill, Sisqo), Gerard Isaac (Mary J. Blige) and even Keys herself (who pens two tracks here), Mario suggests an experienced R&B crooner who's listened closely to everyone from Stevie Wonder to Brian McKnight.
Mario uses several key hip-hop classics to underpin its hooks. Listen closely and you'll spot Run DMC's "Sucka MC," Rob Base's "It Takes Two," and Ronald Miller's "I'll Do Anything for You" lurking in the rhythmic cracks. While these moments provide a sense of deja vu, the emphasis here is on slow, determined grooves. Mario provides an alternate reality in which the singer isn't a New Jersey high school sophomore, but an experienced song stylist, able to swing into the relaxed falsetto of Keys' "2 Train" with an innate grace unusual for anyone of any age.
The album's first single "Just a Friend 2002" updates Biz Markie for the new millennium with plenty of newer jack swing, but the true highlights here are the ballads: "What Your Name Is" and "Could U Be" center upon a dry, sparse rhythms and plaintive acoustic guitars. The stark, natural production gives Mario more than enough room to show off his natural born talent.
What do you think of his album? Fill out the form below.
Reviews:
Name:Dana
Review:I luv Mario's album ususally when i listen to other cd's
there are some songs that I can not stand but I luv every last song on
his cd.
Name:Ericka
Review:I think is album is hot to death and the boy can sing and
dance his azz off!
Name:tameeka
Review:fiya, its straight fiya. its hot. every songs are
beautiful, no mistake at all. straight fiya, hot!!!!
Name:Joah
Review:His album is pretty good as i had anticipated!
Name:Krystal
Review:I think his album is
GREAT!
That's exactly what I'm listening to now, I love this
cd and I can't live with out it.
My favorite songs are Girl In The Picture,Just A Friend,
Could U Be,C'mon, Braid My Hair,Put Me On,Chick Wit Da Braids
What Your Name Is, well really all of them.
I LOVE HIS CD AS MUCH AS HIM, I EVEN
BROUGHT THREE DAYS BEFORE IT CAME OUT!
IT IS REAL TOOOOOO!
I LOVE
MARIO!
Name:Dana
Review:I luv Mario's album ususally when i listen to other cd's
there are some songs that I can not stand but I luv every last song on
his cd.
Name:Noelle
Review:I think his cd is off the chain! He sounds good in all
the songs! Mario keep doin your thing!
Name:Dane
Review:I luv every song on Mario's album.
Name:
Review:It's hot to death every song on the album is hot as hell
ya feel me.