ALBUM REVIEWS: Blake Lewis, Mary J. Blige, Bowmarion

Mary J. Blige // Growing Pains » Growing Pains (Geffen) is the name of MJB’s new studio album which hits stores December 18 and includes the hit single “Just Fine” produced by The-Dream and Tricky Stewart. The album starts off as this big celebration with the first single “Just Fine” that kind of gave me this Jackson vibe, I still think she shoulda got them on the remix or something, that’s a hot joint right there! Anyway GP continues to mid tempo and then to some real nice downbeat, classic ol’ school joints to say it best, that’s what it sounded like to me. Guest appearances for this LP includes Ne-Yo, Ludacris, and you know Mary had to get Usher on this project — he ripped that shed! Yes you should go get this album, the arrangements and production are pretty solid and Mary delivers as always! Two thumbs up! My favorites are “Roses,” “What Love Is” and “Come To Me (Peace).” AND “WORK THAT!” <3.

Just Fine // Roses // Work That! // What Love Is

Blake Lewis // Audio Day Dream » Audio Day Dream (Arista), or A.D.D., is the name of American Idol’s runner-up Blake Lewis’ new album out right now, it includes the first single “Break Anotha” and a track featuring Lupe Fiasco entitled “Know My Name.” I was going crazy becos this album would NOT leak for anything, instead it appeared in full first within the “Free Full CD Listening Parties” section on AOL.com on December 3, the day before the album release! Those crafty bastards… Anyway, I digress (somewhat), but wasn’t disappointed with the overall delivery of Lewis second time around listening. It was some solid production and well put together arrangements for A.D.D. I was highly impressed. The album is like some retro 80’s, futuristic, sci-fi, dance-pop and r&b all fused together — I love it!

End Of The World // She’s Makin’ Me Loose It // Know My Name // Break Anotha

Bow Wow + Omarion // Face Off » Face Off (Columbia) is the new collaborative album by Bow Wow and Omarion that comes out December 11 and includes the first single lifted “Girlfriend.” Producers (in co-op with Bowmarion) include Rick Rubin, T-Pain and Jim Jonsin . I ain’t braggin but it’s iight… You know what? I ain’t even goin to lie there are a select few I liked for the production on both parts in particular. This was a good idea becos these two together are unstoppable on this project, Bow Wow delivers, Omarion’s vocals/ad-libs are incredible! As far as material, Face Off is very eclectic and differs highly from previous collaborations, Bowmarion are definitely on point second time around, this is sure to go gold first week (at least)! My favourite is “Listen,” which is like the boy version of Destiny’s Child “Girl,” and I like “Hey Baby (Jump Off)” cos it reminds me of an updated version of Ghost Town DJ’s “My Boo.” (that was my shit growing up!)

Take Off Your Clothes // Hey Baby (Jump Off) // Baby Girl // Can’t Get Tired Of Me