By Fawn Renee

R&B music is presently at the mercy of those who’ve traded in love ballads and songs of encouragement for soft porn and gaudy lyricism. Mario offers a ray of hope with his fourth album, aptly titled D.N.A. The album, a far cry from his self-titled debut, which featured tracks of a puerile nature, demonstrates the evolution of an artist, not a puppeteer bound by the same strings maneuvering his peers.

With D.N.A. it seems Mario has finally found himself, both as a young man and a blossoming talent. As with previous albums, Mario collaborated with a smorgasbord of talented producers, including The-Dream and Tricky Stewart, Stargate, Bangladesh, The Runners, Jim Jonsin and Eric Hudson. He receives praise for having the confidence to carry the album without a surplus of features. This, again, speaks to his growth as an artist and not just an image.

After first listen, it’s clear as to why “Break Up” was chosen as the album’s first single. With a feature from Sean Garrett and Gucci Mane, and a sample of Surf Club’s “I Can’t Miss” the song has undeniable commercial appeal. What carries the song, however, is its complicated melody, its rumbling bass line, and the sporadic percussion that made songs like Lil’ Wayne’s “A Milli” so potent, making it essential for any club DJ or urban radio programmer. This doesn’t make him a sheep, it makes him smart- got to get the people’s attention.

The album’s next single, “Thinkin’ About You,” is a radio-friendly hit, produced by The Runners. Similar to ‘Break Up” in composition, The Runners’ Hip-Hop infused brand of R&B pairs seamlessly with Mario’s buttery alto. Irrefutably one for the ladies, on the track he sings of his infatuation for a young lady he has just met and is interested in taking home.

Despite the efforts of the first two singles, Grammy-award winning producer Jim Jonsin provides the most authentic Hip-Hop reference on the album with “Get Out,” infusing an element of grunge that complements Mario’s lyrics and tone as he sings, “This ain’t love. This ain’t human. This ain’t real, so what the f**k is we doin’? This ain’t life. There’s much more to it. This whole situation is ruined.” When the single leaked back in March of 2009, it featured a verse from Ludacris. His absence on the retail version of the album is sure to ruffle a few feathers for those anticipating the flattering collaboration.

The album is at its best when Mario solicits the help of The Dream and Tricky Stewart on “Starlight”- a dance track with an old-school R&B feel. More notable than the phenomenal production is the vocal arrangement on the track. With breathy, transcending verses, a bridge (when’s the last time we heard one of those?) supported with rich falsetto background vocals, and ad libs that demonstrate Mario’s impressive range, this song displays the growth lacking in many of his peers. As an added bonus, there are no triplicate choruses to bring the integrity of the song down.

“Before She Said Hi” is a beautiful story about a man experiencing love at first sight.  Atop an intrepid 90’s break beat with dramatic synth strings. Mario croons “Seems every time I get closer, love pushes me away. Just when I thought my chances were over, I stared my future in the face.” Kanye’s new protégé, Big Sean doesn’t add any flare to the song, with his sub–44par lyrical performance and unattractive tone.

The album is lacking that authentic, standout R&B track, in the vein of “Let Me Love You.” Instead Mario offers “I Choose U.” Produced by Stargate, long time Ne-Yo collaborators, the song sounds more like a Ne-Yo record than Mario, which doesn’t do much for his progression as an artist. Still, the mellow track gives him the opportunity to sing with more purpose and control, which is a nice change of pace for him, vocally.

The goal of any artist is to be better today than they were yesterday, and show growth with each album. By that standard, Mario’s evolution is coming along quite nicely.  While there are still some rough patches, his ability to create separation from his peers and stay true to his D.N.A. will garner him much respect.

3.5 out of 5

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