Artist: Mario
Album: Go
Genre: R&B
Release Date: 12/11/2007
Label: J-Records

It's been 3 years since we've heard from Mario following his platinum selling album Turning Point. He's now back on the scene with which should be considered his best album yet. I wouldn't say I'm the biggest fan of Mario but I did buy the last album. I loved the hit single "Let me love you" just like everyone else. Yet I have to say that the album pretty much went downhill from there.

You're not going to find that on this album. While some songs are passable the majority of them are quality cuts that you will play over and over. I'm glad to see him back and with this album he is definitely showing that he plans to be around for awhile.

My favorite songs on the album are "Crying out for me", "How do I breathe", "Right and a wrong way" and "Do right". Out of 5 stars this album gets a well deserved 4 out of 5. Definitely buy this one, plus it's close to Christmas and would make a great present for someone.

1. Go: This is a very boring start to this album. Sure it's a catchy and up-tempo kind of beat but even that doesn't take away from the annoying chorus and the unnecessary cursing in this song. There are a good number of curse words in this song so please be cautious of that and they're not subtle either.

2. Crying out for me: I really like this track produced by Polow Da Don. It's a smooth track about the classic subject...woman is being done wrong in her current relationship in which Mario sings to her, "I can hear your heart, crying out for me". Great vocals, great beat and definitely a great choice for the second single. See video

3. Skippin': Reminds of something that Usher might have done on one of his past albums. It's a decent upbeat track and what stands out to me the most about this one are the vocal arrangement and the chorus. Definitely something you can bump in the car.

4. Music for love: This is one of the standout beats on this album. Talk about bumpin' this is the one to bump right here. A nice mid-tempo track with much bass. You'll want to put this one on repeat. His voice sounds great on this track and the arrangement is on point once again.

5. Kryptonite feat. Rich Boy: I wasn't a big fan when I first heard this song but the more I heard it the more it grew on me. The main problem I had with it was the chorus that keeps repeating "Kryptonite" gets a little annoying after awhile. I like the idea behind this song, "I wanna be your super man.....these girls like kryptonite". An interesting take on the "I can't be faithful" situation.

6. How do I breathe: First single off the album, yet didn't have the success like "Let me love you" did. I remember thinking he was definitely back when I heard this song. I'm not sure why this song didn't get more attention as it is one of the better songs done by him, nevertheless I probably would have picked this for the first single as well. I still bump this one in the car. See video

7. No definition: One of the few songs on the album that I'm not a big fan of. This is clearly album filler. The only thing I was remotely interested in was this particular sound I hear in the beat. Other than that, the lyrics are passable and the beat is not too interesting.

8. Why: A slower song on the album that showcases the great voice that Mario has. It gives me the vibe of the older style of R&B with just enough newness to give it relevance for today's R&B style.

9. Lay in my bed: Another slow track on the album with a really nice beat. I would have to say the same thing about this one as I did for "Why" about the older R&B style. I like this sound for him; it definitely works well with his voice.

10. Right and a wrong way: This is the true definition of a slow jam right here! Unbelievable song with amazing vocals. This song right here shows why Mario is the singer he is. One of the best songs vocally and lyrically on the album. Classic R&B right here. If you can't feel this song....you simply have no pulse.

11. Let me watch feat. Juelz Santana: I feel like this song is so out of place on this album. It sounds like nothing that flows with the rest of the album and it really was a poor choice to keep. This one gets a quick skip!

12. Do Right: I absolutely love this song. I have played this song so many times its ridiculous. It's a strong and powerful song. It really shows another side to Mario and the struggles in his life. I remember hearing a clip of this song when he had a special on TV about helping his mom getting clean from drugs. Very well written song. The lyrics, beat, melody and singing are perfect on this song. This is what you get when everything in a song agrees with one another, a perfect and powerful song.



Aaron Fields is the Sales Marketing Coordinator for KSTW-TV in Seattle. All opinions expressed in this column are strictly his