Customer Reviews

Helpless Romantic

5 star:		(25)
4 star:		(9)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I have been a Jon B since 1995's Bonafide and I was honestly a little worried when I heard about this new album because a lot of artist cannot maintain consistency in music for long periods of time. Jon B though has managed to deliver another consistent album. I can listen to this album straight through which is pretty rare nowadays there are a few tracks that I feel are Jon's attempts to be somewhat modern which he pulls off well but he reaches his peak when he sticks to what he is known for which is his smooth ballads. I have only had the album for a few days but so far I would have to say my favorites are Drops of Rain, and In Too Deep.

Jon B is black music's dirty little secret: this white boy does black music better than almost everybody out now, and he always has. There is no good reason why Jon B doesn't get the props he deserves, and that has always been the case. Jon is five albums deep and we're talking about Robin Thicke like we've never been here before? Like Jon is dead or something? Puh-lease.

Ever the chameleon, the record starts off suspect, giving us the kind of clubby tunes the radio is rife with ("Ooh so sexy", "It's U", complete with vocoder and spacey almost-house beat). Then, abruptly, the record becomes the kind of offering we expect from Jon: solid, contemporary, grown folk R&B that's able to straddle what he knows, what he's capable of, and what's hot right now. The very next track, "Get What U Want", is the best song on the record, and Jon places it perfectly. The rest of the record makes forgiveness of the first couple of tracks possible, since I get that he only needs one contemporary hit to make people look at the whole record. To that I say, go Jon go. I'll let slide a couple of radio tracks to get a song like "Get What U Want" its props.

This record should be all over the radio. Even when Jon slips and goes "nowadays", he apes the style so well it can hold its own with all the stuff that's out. A solid purchase for the fan of Jon B. or the person who likes the stuff on the radio but wishes it were more substantive.

In a league of his own, Jon b is now back on track after a hiatus that led to the creation of this masterpiece. Although I have the entire collection of his solo projects, i'm still very particular when it comes to his music because he has so much potential that I still feel he hasn't reached yet. It may help to check out his bio just to familiarize yourself with some of the amazing collaborations he's been a part of.

The way I rate the quality of an album is by listening to each song on repeat for a few times to see if it can grow on me as quickly as possible and with this CD, I actually found myself keeping the songs on random because it's just that good in my opinion.

I just want to say that Jon b makes music like his life depended on it and I am thanking him because folks...this is only the 3rd CD i've purchased in the past 6 years due to inconsistent artists. This time around, I feel my money was well spent. Buy from an artist that truly works hard and is true to his/her craft. You will not regret this purchase.

I have loved Jon B for years & this latest effort did not disappoint!! I absolutely LOVE every track on this CD, however, I can't figure out why this CD is not getting any radio play?? I guess everyone's on the Robin Thicke bandwagon. Sorry to say but Robin Thicke can't hold a candle to Jon B! My favorite tracks on the CD are:

1. Ooh So Sexy

5. Helpless Romantic

6. Paradise In U

7. Drops of Rain

12. Won't You Say Yeah

For those who want to experience REAL blue-eyed soul, go out & cop this CD! You won't be disappointed!!

Jon B is White Soul. Every cd that he has came out with has been been on Point. Robin Thicke can't hold a candle to Jon. Keep doing what you do.

I have loved Jon B since his first single "Someone To Love" dropped over 10 years ago. He is still putting out the hits and this one is no different, I loved his last CD "Stronger Everyday" and I felt that was his best but " Hopeless Romantic" is as smooth as they come. This CD cements for me that he is my favorite R&B artist because he hasn't come out with anything I wasn't feeling. Of course this CD comes with no fanfare and no promotion, he is the #1 underrated artist of all time. You see Robin Thicke all over the place but Jon by far tops him any day. I can't take it out of my CD player and it has been over a week. I love it!!

Jon B has to be one of the most criminally under-rated artists in modern R&B. This follow up to his excellent 2004 album "Stronger Everyday" (if you had never heard of that album, I suggest you pick that one up too with your purchase of "Hopeless Romantic"), finds Jon smoother than ever. He is now an independent artist, taking his musical destiny in his own hands after the critically-acclaimed "Stronger Everyday" received scant promotion from his former label.

This album is full of the mid-tempo, laid-back numbers and the "bedroom rocker" slow-jams which have become Jon B's signature. Stand out tracks include the "Pleasures U Like"-influenced "Get What U Want" and "On and On" (with the great line "Baby, I take walk-ins"); the chill "Paradise In U"; a nice remake of Jeff Buckley's "Everybody Here Want U"; the super-sexy "Drops of Rain" and "Part of U".

The only weak tracks in my opinion are the ones where he gets a little out of his depth with the Usher/Neyo-esque "It's U" and "Need It Bad". Otherwise, this is another great album from one of R&B's most conistently good artists. With great material coming out now from the likes of Robin Thicke, Anthony Hamilton, Eric Benet, Dwele, Musiq Soulchild and Raphael Saadiq, it looks like the "Real R & B" movement is alive and well.

Finally, I wish people would stop comparing Robin Thicke & Jon B just because of the color of their skin. They are both supremely talented artists who are great at what they do. Robin does more 70s, Marvin Gaye/Philly inspired soul music, whereas Jon B is more hip hop/modern R & B influenced. There is no "beef" or no "battle"--enjoy the great music by these artists!

If I could give this album 10 stars, I would! It was well worth the wait. Jon B never strays from his original and timeless sound. Never dissapoints! All Jon B fans, get the album!!

Yo, Jon...stop leaving us for long periods of time dogg. R+B needs you!

I've been down since the tender age of 15..back in 1995 homie! This latest album is a breath of fresh air. Everybody up on Robin Thicke...that cat is str8. But should never be mentioned in the same breath as you! You been in the game for 13 yrs....5 classic albums. He gots nothing on your record homie....crank out another one for us dogg! Don't wait another 4 yrs.

I've heard all of the other Jon B. cd's and most of his work is classic so, its hard to pick an album. I have been listening to the album since he posted it on his myspace page. It is a shame he doesn't get more credit. I will be getting the album right after work today. With Jon B and Maxwell(see him in concert its worth it) back hopefully RnB will be back to what it should be.