Customer Reviews

The Charm

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(8)
3 star:		(7)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I still remember the first time I heard "Ugly," Bubba Sparxxx's debut single, on the radio a few years ago. I had no idea Bubba was a white dude until I saw the video a few days after that. That being said, this is not to be confused as a black or white thing. As Jadakiss said on the track he did with Bubba from a Ruff Ryders compilation, "Don't get the plot wrong/this aint a black or white politic thing."
After Dark Days, Bright Nights and Deliverance there was most definitely signs of maturity, "I have shown growth though/and that is essential." This album does not however follow that trend. But keep in mind Bubba left Timbaland's Beat Club and signed to Purple Ribbon Entertainment with Big Boi of Outkast fame. So, we can call this his transition album, much in the same way professional athletic teams have transition years and rebuild. I believe Bubba too will rebuild and come back stronger. As far as `Charm' is concerned, I will state emphatically the album is an acquired taste. The first time I slid the disc in I was sort of turned off and immediately seeked to the track "The Otherside" featuring Petey Pablo and Sleepy Brown. Clearly the albums standout cut. One of the few tracks Bubba displays the same passion he possessed on previous collaborations and albums. I then decided to give the album a second run and still was somewhat disappointed from the seemingly tepid aura I was getting from the album. However, as a day or so passed, I found myself singing along with the melody in my head at the most random times. "Claremount Lounge" featuring Killer Mike and Cool Breeze for example has a soothing melodic beat and a catchy hook but does lack the depth and hunger that I have come to expect from Mr. Mathis. "As the Rim Spins" follows in much of the same vein but does contain a few quoteables, "the truth aint dead/I'm so alive." "That Man" finds Bubba once again rapping along with Sleepy Brown and a revived Duddy Ken and provides a glimpse of that Bubba of old where every line found him commanding respect. "Ain't Life Grand" featuring Scar is also a standout cut where Bubba provides us with the insightful yet clever delivery with just a touch of country twang that made him such a fresh alternative to the monotony that is rap. "Run Away" featuring Frankie J feels like the sequel to "She Tried" from Deliverance and is a welcome addition. Ms. New Booty, which will probably get the most airplay, however is TRITE and predictable. I am hesitant to say Bubba sold out to sell records, although that was my first thought. The Colli Park production all sounds the same, but, is moving units right now and one can not be mad Bubba wants to eat. If skills sold, Bubba would be at the top of Billboard, but, the masses want tracks like Ms. New Booty. In other words, do not judge Bubba by the single, but, go back and listen. The Bubba I have come to know and love appears in glimpses, but, still has more to offer than most purchases available and provides enough to keep me waiting for the next episode.

Coming into this album, Bubba obviously felt like he had a lot to prove, this being his third album, coming after the ambitious but fairly unsuccessful "Deliverance", and it being the first solo album on Big Boi's Purple Ribbon label. "The Charm" is his best album to date. Bubba finally found the right blend of beats, lyrics, guest appearances, and the perfect blend of country and rap to make a really great album. Although Big Boi never appears on the mic, his influence is obvious, and "The Charm" flows like an OutKast or Dungeon Family album. Throughout the eleven tracks, you'll get a mix of catchy party tracks, immaculate production, contemplative conscious rap, and great guest appearances from the multi-talented Purple Ribbon All-Stars, including Killer Mike, Scar, and Sleepy Brown. "The Charm" puts Bubba Sparxxx right where he wants to be and shows everything he's capable of, putting him right to the top of the new generation of southern rap.

The first track is the introductory "Represent", which has a hard beat and good hook, and Bubba raps about where he is in the rap world right now. "Heat It Up" is a pretty regular dirty south rap track, but the flute-laced beat makes it good. "Claremont Lounge" with Killer Mike, which originally appeared on the Purple Ribbon "Got Purp" compilation in October, is a highlight. It has a woozy, bouncy beat, with a catchy hook and a good story. "As the Rim Spins" is just a fun song, with a fast, spinning beat and good chorus. On "That Man", Bubba is assisted by the great Sleepy Brown to tell the world who he is and what he's done. The best song is "The Otherside", which is a song that I absolutely love. I've been listening to it over and over since I got the album, and it's worth the price of the album alone. It's a happy party track with Sleepy Brown delivering a memorable hook and North Carolina vet Petey Pablo displaying great chemistry in a guest appearance. The beat is awesome, and you can almost hear Bubba smiling as he raps over it. Then comes "Ain't Life Grand", with the talented Scar singing the hook. It's Bubba's most conscious track on the album, where he takes a break from the banging beats and partying to voice some of his thoughts and problems, I like it a lot. "Run Away", featuring Frankie J, mixes a country beat and guitar with Bubba's rap like he did on the "Deliverance" album. It's about a relationship, and there's a good twist ending to it. "Wonderful" is another happy track that's fun to listen to. By now you've probably heard "Ms. New Booty", the first single, which isn't representative of the album at all. It's strictly a club track, and although I admit it's pretty funny, it's probably the weakest track on the album. "Hey (A Little Gratitude)" seals a good ending on the great album.

"The Charm" gives Bubba Sparxxx a depart from being simply an engine for Timbaland's beats to being one of the best young rappers in the south. While it is representative of much of the popular dirty south style, it's on the high end in the same way that OutKast is. It's the best southern hip hop album out right now, better than Juvenile and Lil' Wayne's recent albums. From the beats to the lyrics and concepts, Bubba has finally found the blend he's been looking for and should be satisfied at last. "The Charm" is a very entertaining and rewarding album that I recommend to all.

I've been a big fan of Bubba Sparxxx since I first heard him years ago....and I have to say I think this may be his worst album to date. I'm not saying the album is bad, but compared to his first two, it's just not as good. Especially in comparison to "Deliverance". "Deliverance" was a 5 star album...I would say if you are a fan of Bubba's music then buy this album but if not you may not enjoy this to the fullest degree.

Well Bubba Sparxxx has managed to churn out some good stuff in the past, the problem was that it either had only good beats like on Dark Days, Bright Nights or good lyrics on his second album Deliverance. After not having not so good sells with the latter album he hopes the third times the "Charm" here.

Thankfullly with you don't get the usual guest heavy, 15+ track album that last over 70 minutes when artist release their third album. The album opens up nicely with Represent where Bubba talks about where he's from and all. Bubba manages to take you back to his good ole days from deliverance on "As The Rim Spins". The guest appearances that are on here are on key like Killer Mike and Cool Breeze's verses ("Claremont Lounge"). Frankie J does his thing singing on the chorus to "Run Away" and ditto Sleepy Brown on "The Otherside" with M.I.A. Peety Pablo teaming up with Bubba Sparxxx to drop some lines.

There are ups and downs with party joints produced by Mr. Collipark on "Ms. New Booty" which is ovverated especially since the music sounds exactly like David Banner's "Play", and the mellow laidback beat of "Heat It Up". Unlike others I was dissapointed with Timbalands production "Hey! (A Lil' Gratitude)" Also this album seems a little to popish and radio friendly compared with his past stuff. Sales wise this album is Bubba's best which would convince you to buy it but I suggest you check out Delivarance before trying to "charm" yourself.

this album is pretty good only 11 tracks but so what most artist put out 15 - 18 and only like 6 - 7 of them are actually good, all of bubbas are good they might be a lil old like 3 of them but when they first came out , i betcha u was one of the people feelin it, so dont diss this album cuz it a shorter 1, it might be one the best ones out!

I hated the single, Ms. New Booty, but after listening to the CD all the way through it definitely has its place.

This is a very, very complete CD...lyrics, beats, production. Please do not sleep on this one. Get a copy. Music like this gives me hope again with rap. I only wish Big, Killer, Sleepy and Bubba were all on one track together, man.

Bubba Sparxxx (Warren Anderson Mathis) third album is "The Charm" (2006). Georgia's Sparxxx provides a short eleven-track release, which has guest appearances from Killer Mike, Cool Breeze, Petey Pablo, Sleepy Brown, Scar, Frankie J, Mr. Collipark and the Ying Yang Twins. Bubba opens the album up with "Represent", talking about where he stands - don't push the country boy around to much, he states that most people were not paying attention to the Notorious B.I.G. till after he died. Backed by a laidback beat Sparxxx then drops a party track with "Heat It Up". Killer Mike and Cool Breeze make the albums first guest appearances on the standout "Claremont Lounge", Bubba Sparxxx does the chorus, while all three tell the story. "As The Rim Spins" is a bland track, then Sleepy Brown laces "That Man" with some smooth vocals, Bubbas rhyming gets a bit monotonous on this one. The albums second single is "The Otherside", Bubba teams up with Petey Pablo and Sleepy Brown for an outstanding cut, Sleepy provides some exceptional singing, while Petey Pablo and Bubba tag team this joint dropping some on point lyrics. Up and coming singer Scar one of Big Boi's Purple Ribbon crew drops in for the decent "Ain't Life Grand". My favorite track is the deep "Run Away", Bubba delivers memorable lyrics while Frankie J provides some smooth singing for a masterful track. The upbeat yet lengthy "Wonderful" follows. The albums first single is "Ms. New Booty", its a radio hit at the moment so it obviously has appeal to a lot of people, skip material for me though, I am not a fan of the Ying Yang Twins or this type of joint which I consider garbage. The albums closer is "Hey! (A Lil Gratitude)", Bubba wants some gratitude, in other words he wants to make some paper, he also reps being a country boy with pride. I preferred Bubba's last album, as he went a lot deeper (unfortunately he did not get the sales he deserved), "The Charm" is a solid release, with a variety of cuts that are radio and club friendly, hopefully Sparxxx will get the gratitude he has been looking for. 3.5.

The carm was a cd that i looked forward too. there are very few white mcs in the game and when they actualy have some talent it excites me. bubba is one of those mcs. i dont no were i was when he left timbland as his mentor and producer. i bought the cd looking forward to that booming country flow of bubba AND those rediculas tracks timmy puts together. i dont think anyone wold disagree that timberland if not the best is one of the best producers of all time. timberland is only on one track the outro track Hey! dont think miss new booty is how the whole album is bc its not. o and belive me booty booty booty rocking everywere will get stuck in your head. the cd lyricly is the same as the last 2 with the exception of a cd packed with timberland production. Bubba went to the big boi's purple ribion record lable and big boi also produces a few tracks. killa mike and cool breeze apear on track 3 clarmont lounge, this is a hott song. its been a while since i heard from cool breez. there is 2 or 3 tracks by Mr. collipark i cant decide if im feelin him or not but he does make some beats that gets a party goin. Like i said im sad to see that bubba is no longer a timberland artist but i guess him with purple ribion under big boi is not a bad place to go to. overall this is a strog preformance from bubba sparxx but is not better then his last 2 cds.

This album just came out today and I dont think that I will stop playing it for a while Bubba has Delivered with this album compare this more to his debut album the lyrics are 9/10 and the instrumentals are great 9.5/10 great production

1. Represent lyrics 9/10 instrumental 8.5/10
2. Heat It Up lyrics 9/10 instrumental 9.5/10
3. Claremont Lounge lyrics 9/10 instrumental 8.5/10 feat. Killer Mike and Cool Breez
4. As The Rim Spins lyrics 8.5/10 instrumental 8.5/10
5. That Man lyrics 9.5/10 instrumental 10/10 mixed gangstas paradise beat classic track Feat. sleepy brown and Duddy Ken
6. The Otherside lyrics 9.5/10 instrumental 9.5/10 feat. Petey Pablo
7. Aint Life Grand lyrics 9/10 instrumental 8/10 feat. Scar
8. Run Away lyrics 10/10 instrumental 10/10 feat. Frankie J this is the classic of the cd
9. Wonderful lyrics 9/10 instrumental 9/10
10. Ms. New Booty lyrics 8/10 instrumental 10/10 feat. Ying Yang Twins this is kind of out of Bubbas style but the instrumental is nice
11. Hey! (A Lil Gratitude) lyrics 9.5/10 instrumental 9/10

Overall I have never been to excited for the realeas of one of Bubba's albums even though I own the previous 2 this one I was anxious for I only wish there was more than 11 tracks but for 10 bucks its worth it
Watch out Luda and T.I. Bubba may not have your club song skills but he is slowley creepin up to be the king of the south

*Four and a half stars* I have been a big Bubba Sparxx fan since his first release, "Dark Day, Bright Nights". His second album "Deliverance" was a big step up from that, and just an amazing album altogether. The new album "The Charm" is definitely trying to hit the mainstream crowd (After his first two stellar albums failed to sell, I can't blame him for this direction). Though this album lacks the creativity of "Deliverance", Bubba is able to make an especially good album with a different sound, that can please both fans old and new.
The album is only eleven tracks deep which is not alot, but in this case, Quality is more important than Quantity. This is really one of those cd's where every song is good, and there's nothing you want to skip through. The album also contains no skits or interludes (which are annoying, pointless, and interfere with the flow of the music). And as much as Timbaland And Bubba work so well together, I love the new production on the album. Big Standouts on this cd are "The Other Side" With Sleepy Brown, "Run Away" Feat. Frankie J, and "Heat It Up" with production from Collipark, who also did "Ms. New Booty". Overall, this is a really good cd that differ's in style from that of "Deliverance", but also shine's in Bubba's ability to make it sound so good.