Successfully showing growth with his sophomore release, Turning Point, Mario delivers his third album, Go!. Rather than the clean faced innocence of the Turning Point cover, here he's a bit scruffier with the facial hair and hooded with a focused look. With chances of proving to be apart of the R&B elite, Mario aims to prove his spot and talent.
Lead single, "How Do I Breathe" is one of his best singles so far, if not the best. Stargate continue their hit single streak with a looming bassline and echoey string plucks. The track is refreshing and smooth with Mario pondering how he will breathe without his girl. The next highlight would have to be "Crying Out For Me", as Polow Da Don delivers one for the clubs, yet dually suitable as a relaxing midtempo. Similar in theme to his smash hit off Turning Point, "Let Me Love You", Mario explains how he hears her heart calling out to him. Soothingly crooning, "I can hear your heart, crying out for me", Mario flexes the vocals towards the end, showing his talent.
Ralph B. Stacy produced, "Music For Love" has the sounds of a summer club hit, as heavy bass and a catchy hook rightfully fit the track. Highlights continue with "Kryptonite", however an ill advised and out of place Rich Boy slightly taints things the track from being as good as it should be. Calling girls his kryptonite, Mario explains how he can help but have feelings for all of his adoring lady fanbase. Another single worthy number, Mario shows that he's exceeded expectations with four highlights.
The downfall of the album has to be the Juelz Santana assisted and Mr. Collipark produced, "Let Me Watch". The bass heavy flute lined number aims for "Boom" success but sounds odd and seems out of place, simply tacked on at the end. There's a few filler numbers in the synthy Timbaland helmed "No Definition" and "Why" despite its great chorus, but its evident that this is Mario's best album. The "Right And A Wrong Way" remake is a solid bedroom number that despite its mediocre lyricism, works to satisfy couples endeavors.
On his junior release, Mario displays his best album with a stronger vocal presence within the tracks, as well as selecting a better grouping of tracks. He satisfies the bedroom with "Right And A Wrong Way", summery club vibe with "Music For Love", recreates similar "Let Me Love You" magic with "Crying Out For Me" and offers the refreshing "How Do I Breathe". Vocally he's much more strong, less dependent on the catchy hook and finding his niche within the R&B competition. The inspiring "Do Right" is another Akon concoction, that finds the singer positively dedicating a song to his mother about stopping drugs, in which she has been addicted to cocaine. Congo drumming and piano keys build, while the honesty of the track truly leaves a lasting appeal to listeners. Consistently Mario has shown growth with each release and its satisfyingly good on Go!, proving he has the talent to do well and thrive within a competitive R&B male category.
Top Tracks: "How Do I Breathe", "Crying Out For Me", "Kryptonite (feat. Rich Boy)", "Do Right"
Rating: 8 out of 10
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