The One

Frankie J.'s third solo album may be the charm for this Mexican R&B crooner, thanks to the hit single "Obsession (No Es Amor)," featuring a rap by Baby Bash. An English remake of the track originally recorded by bachata group Aventura, "Obsession" is sexy but not sexual – tailor-made ear candy. As enticing as it may be, the best tracks on this album are the simplest. "Story of My Life", set to guitar, finger snaps and wonderful choruses (all recorded by Frankie J.), is mellow and gorgeous, as is "Without You." Both tracks highlight a versatile voice comfortable in multiple ranges. Save for a smattering of Spanish, Frankie J., who co-wrote most tracks, sounds more Detroit than Mexico, with his interpretation and use of grooves, chords and an unrelenting sense of melody that differentiates him from other R&B artists.

"Don't Wanna Try," a single that wound up cracking the Top 20 in 2003, is probably responsible for allowing Frankie J. to bring in the likes of songwriters/producers Bryan-Michael Cox and Mario Winans for follow-up The One. The singer continues to work closely with Happy Perez, but Cox's presence on not one but three tracks – including "How to Deal," a clone of Usher's Cox-penned "Burn" in both sound and sentiment – adds significant heft to his catalog. What's a Man to Do? tended to falter whenever J. broke from his sweet, yearning (not whining) manner to adopt a tougher tone. The One is a step forward in every aspect. Lead single "Obsession (No Es Amor)" shot up to the Top Ten upon release, only solidifying J.'s mainstream presence.

Tijuana-born and San Diego-raised contemporary R&B artist Frankie J. was raised on a steady diet of Latin music and American artists like Michael Jackson and Run-D.M.C.. At the age of 15, he was involved with the Latin freestyle scene and released a series of singles on a Canadian dance label. A 1997 signing with Jellybean Benitez' Hola label never panned out, but he landed on his feet when he became a member of Los Kumbia Kings. After a few years with the group, J. went solo with 2003's What's a Man to Do?, a collection of ballad-dominated material that was released. The same year was released a self-titled album which amounts to a Spanish-language version of What's a Man to Do?