Two years since his debut, there is a new confidence and more grown Mario, expressed on Turning Point. Charming the ladies with his debut, its apparent that Mario wanted to expand out of that fanbase without leaving them. On Turning Point, there's more big names involved, better songwriting and several instances where Mario swears. The album's title is a bold statement, confidently stating change, does it help his growth within the R&B game?
With as big of buzz that "Let Me Love You" has stormed up, there's an even bigger challenge in creating an album that will back it up. Hitmaker Scott Storch provides an intimate, smooth background comprised of a midtempo rhythm with light string arrangements. The beauty of "Let Me Love You" is Mario's vocals, the production complements his innocent tender pleading and allows him to truly come off as the perfect boyfriend. "Baby, good love and protection, make me your selection, show you the way love's supposed to be," croons Mario on the catchy chorus, and its undeniably the best track on the album. With that being said, that isn't to say that the album is weak, because it does the job in supporting a single of such appeal.
The energized opener has Mario boasting that he's merely "18" and confidently stating, "I got seven years to catch up". Fellow J Records artist, Cassidy drops a verse that is a nice addition. This confidence is spread throughout, which is a positive, indicating he's finding his sound more and more. Other features are surprisingly street hip hoppers, New Orleans rhymer Juvenile, ATL's T.I. and NY vet, Jadakiss. Juvenile fittingly appears on "Boom", a bass hitting club number that is made for the dance floors, cooked up with an ATL synth production by Lil' Jon. Reggae influenced "Girl I Need" features Cham, with its bouncy backing, Mario explains what he's looking for. Conversely, The Underdogs produced "How Could You" shows the young Mario experiencing a bitter breakup. While the production at times is a bit dull, Mario handles the track well, making it better with his raw emotion and bitter lyrics, which eventually builds to a soaring reflection of moving on.
The dramatic, panicked pace on "Here I Go Again" works, supported by a solid beat from Ron "Neff-U" Feemster comprised of strings and a heavy guitar. Where the song truly shines is its musical bridge, which also makes it yet another highlight on Turning Point. The feel good "Nikes Fresh Out The Box" has some mediocre songwriting, but Harold Lily's organs and positive vibe, make Mario's comparison of his lady to a fresh pair of Nike's work. Where the album falters is not because of bad tracks, but simply because the tracks aren't too memorable. Decent tracks like "Call The Cops", "Directions", and "Couldn't Say No" are worthy filler, but the worst of them would be "Shakedown". From the messy beat of horns and constant whistle blows, Mario gets lost in the production with weak songwriting as well. Tacked at the end is "Let Me Love You [Remix]" which pairs the singer with T.I. and Jadakiss, creating remade beat that is tailored more toward the club and cunningly works.
The growth is impressive here by Mario, more mature subject matter and 13 song tracklist keep things at about the right amount for the teenage crooner. Built around his hit, "Let Me Love You", the convincing "How Could You" and club rattling "Boom" are supportive highlights. While there is some filler, they merely are decent tracks that lack the catchiness and memorable aspects that the highlights contain. Turning Point is another step for the young singer in the right direction, making a bold statement and building a sound.
Top Tracks: "Let Me Love You", "How Could You", "Let Me Love You [Remix](feat. Jadakiss & T.I.)", "Boom (feat. Juvenile)"
Rating: 7 out of 10
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