With the skyscraper tall Mario looking afar, Mario proved with Go! that he deserved a mention as a possibility for R&B crowning. Hoping to shorten the break between albums, D.N.A. finds the singer working with big names like The Runners, Jim Jonsin, Dre & Vidal, Stargate, just to name a few. Titling his fourth release, D.N.A., the change from the original title, And Then There Was Me was to display the musical changes. Is Mario's D.N.A. enough to solidify him in the R&B elite?
Buzz started with lead single, "Break Up" which features a sparse bass and a revolving rhythm with claps courtesy of overnight success, Bangladesh. The track doesn't show much for Mario, as Gucci Mane drops two verses and Sean Garrett handles one as well, however the commercial appeal has been large and while it doesn't show much vocally, its a catchy summer number that works. Better off is the building midtempo of "Thinkin' About You". While The Runners & The Monarch production isn't that great, in face seemingly generic, Mario's vocals glaze the synths well and its a highlight.
Tricky Stewart and The-Dream continue their success with "Starlight", as the bouncy clubby uptempo fits perfectly for the dance floor. Shining lights and flashy club atmosphere come to mind, Mario is there to get love, singing "girl make love to me" and insisting he must "end this night with you on me". The most diverse track is the heavy bass and drum instilled "Get Out" as Jim Jonsin's synths buzz busily. Mario dynamically croons about a confusing relationship with a girl. The Dre & Vidal produced, "Before She Said Hi" is one of the best tracks, with a throwback rhythm and cruising vocals. Up and coming G.O.O.D. Music rapper, Big Sean drops a worthy verse and the track is a smooth yet energized production.
The musical "The Hardest Moment (Afraid To Cry)" is another significant highlight that is Mario in dramatic theatrical mode. Another impressive number, its very personal and has Mario showing his falsetto that ends the album on a strong note. Missteps would have to be the overly produced "Soundtrack To My Broken Heart", generic "Ooh Baby" and decent "I Miss My Friend".
While the productions head for bigger audiences and greater appeal, Mario seems to have slightly lost that innocent and convincing singing displayed in his past albums. There isn't any strictly R&B number, the album is comprised more of pop, rock tinged, clubby R&B that shows a diversity in direction, yet lacks his true forte. "I Choose You" is a typical Stargate guitar laced number, however "Stranded" has a comforting string and bass combination with a relaxing hook. While its better than Turning Point, it isn't as strong as Go!, the memorable moments are less and the album lacks a personality expressed earlier in his career. He may appeal to a broader audience and gain a stronger mainstream presence, however in doing so, he's lost a bit of his personal sound and identity. D.N.A. is by no means a bad album, its a worthy release, its just a minor stepback in his progression as an artist, since he had been so consistent in development with album releases.
Top Tracks: "Starlight", "Break Up (feat. Gucci Mane & Sean Garrett)", "Thinkin' About You", "The Hardest Moment (Afraid To Cry)", "Before She Said Hi (feat. Big Sean)"
Rating: 7.5 out of 10
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