Go

The expectation of Mario's third album was worth it

Despite his young age, 21, Maryland born singer Mario has already been involved in show business for practically a half of his life as he started singing back in his childhood. At the age of eleven he was discovered by producer Troy Patterson, at fourteen a contract with J Records was signed and at sixteen the debut album released. It goes without saying that he would have never achieved all this unless he was really talented. The part in the movie Step Up helped Mario reveal his acting capacities, but the real fame came to him with singles Just A Friend and Let Me Love You. His third album was supposed to be released last autumn, but because of a poor promotion the release date was repeatedly postponed, and finally this December a disc laconically named Go hits the stores. Undoubtedly the expectation was worth it. A list of producers that inspires respect, including Timbaland, The Neptunes, Stargate, Akon and Pollow Da Don, two collaborations as well as more mature lyrics and more pleasant vocals is only a part of the factors that make Go one of the best R&B releases of the year.

Go, a much more mature creation

Compared to Mario's previous records, Go has proved to be a much more mature creation from the point of view of the lyrics, so as it is attached a parental advisory sticker in stores. The boldest and frankest track in this respect is probably the opening title Go on which the singer addresses a certain girl and informs of what he is going to do with her using quite unambiguous phrases, and his aspiration against the background of a tough beat is more eloquent than any words. Unlikely, singles Crying Out For Me and How Do I Breathe are softer ballads that are most suitable for Mario's great vocals. The latter should be especially dwelled upon for being the most romantic and sensual song on the album which is sure to be to the taste of the female audience. A light composition Music For Love is a classic example of R&B while Kryptonite featuring Rich Boy is not only remarkable for the combination of two men's nice voices but also a piano that underlines them. A somewhat worried mood of Why is changed for soft by persistent Lay In My Bed, and one of the album's highlights is definitely Right And A Wrong Way – here Mario easily sings the highest notes making a beautiful melody even more expressive. Juelz Santana joins the singer on a danceable composition Let Me Watch refined with an exotic flute, and bonus Let Me Love You (Acoustic) is even a more soulful variant of the word hit.

Another step forward on a hard but joyful path

The way he sings can inspire anyone. Although some might judge Mario for being too assertive in choosing the topics that do not do him credit like on the title track but it is his choice that is to be respected. Most probable he just wants to be in the mainstream still being fond of beautiful ballads, that are never a failure. Yet the real success of the new record is in Mario's contagious manner of performance that strikes home with its boldness, simplicity and emotionality. A young but already experienced and thus self-confident artist is well aware how to attract the audience's attention and knows how to make good arrangements, too. Of course he is much obliged to his teachers and producers, and he never forgets about it. On the other hand his life has not always been so lucky – Mario's mother is in a long time struggle against drug addiction although in the end it is her he is to thank for leaving the streets and seriously practicing music. Luckily the situation is now changing for the better, and record Go has a lot of serious and funny songs that reflect the singer's moods lately. Mario's third album has firmed his position in a row of his peer stars and become another step forward on a hard but joyful path.