Customer Reviews

Turning Point

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(30)
3 star:		(22)
2 star:		(6)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

You know people Mario's age in the business don't have the courage to put this type of music out there. People this age go through things like this. Thats one reason I love this cd. And plus these are some of the hottest beats eva. Mario's vocal range make the slow songs explosive.

18- 10/10 this is how I feel alot. Just slam it in their face.

Let Me Love You- 10/10 1st single I've always liked this song.

Couldn't Say No- 9/10 I've been through this. lol

Boom- 9/10 Everyone says it sounds like a rip-off version of Usher's Yeah. Well duh.. it has the same meaning and it was written by the same producer. Hot song.

How Could You- 10/10 2nd single. The vocal range is awesome.

Girl I Need- 7/10 Haven't really gotten into this song.

Call The Copes- 10/10 My favorite song on the album. Its so explosive. Should be 3rd single.

Here I Go Again- 9/10 This song copies the style of Brandy's "I Thought". But I like it.

Nikes Fresh Out The Box- 2/10 Worst song on album. Completely cheesy. Doesn't fit in with the other songs.

Directions- 9/10 Good slow jam to make love to.

Shakedown- 10/10 Its good that Mario has a upbeat song for an outing. It makes the album worth listening to from beginning to end.

Let Me Love You Remix- 10/10 The style is changed. I like this version as much as the original.

This album shows more maturing from Mario. I can completely relate to every song. Overall Rating 9

In a music industry where mediocre albums are put out as often as you change your weave, it's hard to find one where you aren't constantly hopping up out of your comfort zone to press the fast-forward button on your stereo. Mario's "Turning Point" just may put an end to that, for a fee of about [$$] of course. This artist's sophomore album is definitely above average compared to most other releases in recent time. This is one album where you can listen to each and every song, with the exception of maybe one or two depending on your taste. The album which is comprised mostly of club/party joints with a few (5-6) pure R&B ballads, displays the growth of a 15-year-old sweetheart from a mere radio friendly songster to a sexy, sleek and maybe more times than none, controversial future R&B prince. The slowed down tracks are probably "the classics" of the album. They are produced so simply with soft, mellow beats, and Mario coos so heavenly over each and every one. After listening to the album's party joints, you may feel as if the topics begin to get repititive via finding a good-looking girl on the dance floor and either dancing with her and/or then (sometimes) proceeding to fu- err, have fun. However while you may be having de-ja-vu, the album is blessed with enough good production to steadily keep you bouncing, and to a different beat every time.


(#) Standout songs in my opinion.

18- The album's opening track which is said to be directed toward R&B giant, Usher, is used by Mario to, in a way, "brush the dirt off his shoulders". He lets us know who he is and this person's here to stay. Track makes it a little hard to find the beat at first, but once you hear it a few times, it mysteriously grows on you. It may be geared more to the hip-hop heads. You'll find yourself bobbing to it sooner or later, a catchy song. *Features a nice verse from Cassidy.

#Let Me Love You- The album's first single, a smooth and easy to groove to mid-tempo quest for the heart of a currently mistreated young woman.

Couldn't Say No- An easy head-bobbin' song informing a girlfriend of kinda-sorta cheating and kinda-sorta apologizing. A nice relaxing song, nothing over the top, but it offers a special umph to keep you from pressing that all too familiar fast forward.

Boom- Club geared, definitely gonna make you dance. Features a guest appearance from Juvenile (can you say "uuhh?"), a song about basically being in a club, hearing 'your song' in the club and "shakin' sumthin'". You'll find yourself wondering why this song sounds so much like Usher's much popularized hit- "Yeah"... Answer? Produced by Lil' Jon. Nonetheless, hot track, you'll be waiting to hear this in a club. The rhythm in which the lyrics are sang changes the mode drastically and keeps you from constantly hearing "Yeah! (Yeah!)" in the back of your head.

#How Could You- The tears just may fall... I'm exaggerating but you feel the boy's pain. The song takes it back to the origins of R&B lyrically, pain and heartbreak and most of all, relativity. You'll find yourself wanting to ask the same questions of a past, heartbreaking beau. I can hear it on a lil' edgier Brian McKnight. *Follow-up single.

#Girl I Need- A reggae inspired joint for the ladies looking to be his leading lady. When the song first kicks off you'll probably think something along the lines of "Okay this boy done lost his damn mind" but keep listening and your opinion will definitely switch up. He describes his ideal girl with the help of reggae artist Baby Cham. A very bouncy, sing-a-long type song. Guaranteed, you'll be on the bus and find yourself humming it. It has a way of just plastering itself in your head and never leaving. Baby Cham, unlike Juvenile, doesn't annoy, he's actually a perfect fit.

#Call The Cops- A bass-abundant but still mellow beat and echo-type vocals makes for a nice club joint. The song is one of the "girl is so hot I don't know what I'm gonna do" types but it still holds its own, and can be a memorable track on the album. You can "bust a move" with this one.

Here I Go Again- This song takes it back to the "Thriller" era. An upbeat, driven track, almost sounds like a superhero's theme song. It may scare you near the end during the climax, you may think your stereo is experiencing some technical difficulties but you'll realize that it was part of the song, makes for a very unique effect with the song.

#Nikes Fresh Out The Box- (No, it's not another 'Braid My Hair'.) One of the most unique tracks on the album and easily stands out among the rest. A slightly upbeat song has you swaying back and forth as it expresses feelings for a newfound love by creatively using the metaphor of comparing her to "a pair of fresh all white air force ones." Mario holds your ears in the palm of his hand as the song starts out with a small but endearing passage, a capella. Sounds like it's straight from a blues shack. *Mario (vocally) shocks at the end.

#Directions- "...You're gonna make a left on touching bouevard, and when ya seekissing street make a right, keep straight and go all the way and thatll run ya into good love...." Lyrically, vocally and production wise a great song. I almost gurantee you'll have it on repeat. So soft and mellow, something you can throw on to relax with. One of my favs. *Track ends way too soon.

#Like Me Real Hard- A song in which the verses are almost whispered to you. Another one of those mellow joints and another one of my favorites. The background instruments help catapult the song even more, the use of a live (sounding) band pushes the song even further closer to your liking. R&B fans will love this one.

Shakedown- The track's background instruments/ house band seem to stand out and make it more than what it may have been without them or with another beat. Not a favorite of mine but an okay song. It's not really for the clubs and it's not to be used to make a baby, so what is it for? To listen and maybe make you move your shoulders a little bit.

#Let Me Love You [Remix]- A club hit. Already being well received on radio, a nice follow up to the original. Consists of a beat change (the melody of the song is changed also) and two of hip hop's best. Ain't much to say, it's a hot song.


Mario slaps the mess (ya'll know what I wanted to say) out of us with a vocal range that most probably have never heard or even expected from him. You start to wonder if his voice has grown any from his debut effort or was he just getting the wrong songs to sing??? Either way, vocally, this album is definitely impressive. He shows a versatility with multiple genres and styles of music and his own singing that never fail to keep you from feeling as if the album is just one very long song. He breaks up the manotiny of a continuous drone and inserts shocks here and there to keep you interested and wanting more and more. Rather than leaving you with the urge to lay a WWF-style smackdown on the 'stop' button, he ignites a curiousity to see just what else he can do.

"...won't you put your money where ya mouth has been, or else ya need to back up. Then our bodies start movin, looks like I'm losin, cuz I gotta little horny, lil mama put it on me..." Yes, the lil' boy said horny. It's hard to imagine the cutie-pie that was just asking for his hair to be braided, knows what horny even means... Well he's not a little boy anymore, he displays a growth that unlike the forced image a lot of teen singers get pinned with, seems natural and non-manufactured.

If you're looking to see inside the mind of this rising superstar, cop the album. The majority of "Turning Point" was inspired of his own experiences with two of them (Couldn't Say No, Call The Cops) co-written by him, you'll get a taste of what the young man's seen, done or heard during his relatively short hiatus. Of course, the album could've been better, but nothings perfect. You can guarantee you'l get your money worth though. Only thing needed to complete the album are a few more slow jams. Mario has a voice fit for those "late night" joints and you may be disappointed when the album is finished and you've only been serenaded a mere 5 or 6 times.

Though only consisting of 13 songs, including a remix featuring Mr. 21 Questions, Jada Kiss & the self proclaimed 'king of the south', TI (and yes I am aware of the fact that we were so blessed with '21 Questions' by 50 Cent not Kiss), the phrase "quality over quantity" definitely makes up for what's lacking in the tracklist. This album's a well mapped out collection of songs that just may be blaring from your speakers for longer than you expect.

To the person who said her 12 year old niece didn't like it..First off Mario is 18 years old and majority of his songs are adult oriented, so your little niece is too young to even understand what mario is singing about. And you saying he can't sing?? Umm boo boo, the legendary Clive Davis signed mario on the spot because of his SINGING ability so you crediablity went out the window.

But on to the CD
Mario album is worth every penny. His singing is impeecable. I can listen to him sing on every single song on this album. He currently has the the number 1 song in the country on 6 different billboards. The reviews for his album were SUPERB!! I bought his album just because of LET ME LOVE YOU and I am so glad I did. THe production on this album is OFF THE CHAIN!!!

The songs I love are: Let me love you, Nikes Fresh out the Box, How could you, 18, Call the Cops, BOOM, Like Me Real Hard, Directions

Trust me you won't be disappointed with this CD.....His 2nd single will be "HOW COULD YOU"

Mario Makes A Solid Point Of Turn
Dec 7, 2004
By Eric Frizell

What attributes does one gain during a `Turning Point' in his/her life? For charming, 18-year-old Mario, it's mostly a strong and natural maturity that lends itself, pleasantly, to what is a most intriguing follow up to a gold-earning debut (Mario, 2002).

After taking a break to finish school and allow a normal change of course in his voice, Mario returned late this year to treat audiences of BET's "106 & Park" to an early view of a young adult whose loss of a braided hairstyle coincided with taking on a sleek and more personable style. More than a month later, December 7th sees the J Records release of a work that Mario says is "...about friends and the situations I'm going through." The Baltimore native, who now resides in New Jersey, had a hand in writing three of the 13 songs on his sophomore compilation. The first is the "told you so" Ron Feemstar head-bopper "18," featuring labelmate Cassidy. Second is an easy-grooving "Couldn't Say No" in which Mario admits "I had a girlfriend.../ In-between that week we split up/ It was lookin' so good, I couldn't say no." Third is "Call the Cops" (more details later). With help from "Let Me Love You," a coming-of-age story and musical work by Scott Storch that radio play has given a top five spot on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, and lesser known talents like Ivan "Orthodox" Barias and Carvin "Ransum" Haggins, Mario is poised to turn heads with the R&B joy that is Turning Point.

Garnering a symbolic twist between a "fresh out the box" pair of kicks and a new love interest, "Nikes Fresh Out the Box" is the updated "Braid My Hair" of Mario's first solo effort. Soulful sentiments pulse with an ever-mounting cleverness to interweave a sweet and colorful tapestry that ends with Mario introducing the "Jesse Powell" of his vocality. Following, a sensuous Mario gives all the right "Directions" to warming the sheets with him. If "Directions" does its job, women will want to call a timeout with the subsequent ballad, "Like Me Real Hard." Heart and sensitivity produce a period of 4 minutes and 50 seconds in which listeners will feel a slight essence of Stevie Wonder.

A sure to be instant favorite, "Here I Go Again," is a rock influenced up-tempo that utilizes a superlative bridge and finely textured background vocal as Mario sings with unfailing authority, "I gave you all of me/ I gave you everything/ Even that diamond ring/ It didn't mean a thing." And when the cops come to your neighbor's rescue on the base-laden tribute to problematic temptresses ("Call the Cops"), escape to the water-lined Caribbean where you can count on hearing abundant play of Mario and Baby Cham's partnership on the hopping, reggae-rubbed "Girl I Need."
Turning Point's other selections include somethin' for the fellas in the "Let Me Love You" remix (featuring Jadakiss and TI), an enticing trumpet & synth-driven "Shakedown," one of Mario's real life tales "How Could You," and a Lil Jon-produced floor caller, "Boom" (featuring Juvenile).

Don't get me wrong, the young man can sing...but there's something missing in this album. He has a harder edged feel and all the beats on this album sounded Old School 80's. I was so confused by the beats, especially when he was snapping or cursing. It seemed out of place. The Nike song is a "Next" for me. I would never listen to that more than once. Famous people doing the advertising thing gets old quickly (yeah, Busta and Nelly got the "Next" button too. I liked it better when Petey Pablo just added his advertising as a quip at the end. Dedicating a whole song to a shoe is kinda lame).
Anyway, the old school feel took me back to grammar school, but it didn't make me enjoy it anymore or less. I would really like to see him produce his own album. I get the feeling his beats would be much better and they would fit his style. His words worked, but they didn't match the music. It seemed like somebody had to talk him into doing every song...but I could be wrong.

Mario's "Turning Point" album, is on the money. he has beat the sophomore jinx with this. Let me just say that this album is showing a more grown up approach. He's reaching topics that are just self-explanatory and just mellow. "Let Me Love You", "Directions", "How Could You" & "Let Me Love You"(Remix) is a list of my favorite songs. "Directions" is simply my favorite chill song, it's a meaningful and cool, calm & collective mellow tunes. So if you wanna check out this album make sure you check out this one. Mario you continue to do your thing. Buy this album, today... You will not regret it!

Not only is Mario himself hot, but his voice is sooo HOT - velvety, mellifluous, smooth and harmonious.

I'm a big Usher fanatic too, and I too love his voice. Some people have criticized Mario for emulating Usher's style and tone of voice. But sersiouly, why do we always have to compare artists among artists - as long as you enjoy and take pleasure from their work, why disparage them?

I love all the songs on this album, despite some weak music, however, his voice rescues and revives them.

1)18 - cool, unusual beat. Perhaps the music grows on you, but it hasn't yet for me. However, I think the lyrics are quite audacious as he sets Usher as his benchmark (although I strongly believe he has the potential). 7/10

2)Let Me Love You - ULtimate Ultimate Winner! I've listened to this song like literally 100 times, and it's still as beautiful as ever. 10/10

3)Couldn't Say No - nice but more mediocre. I don't seem to be able to feel Mario in this song as some of the others. 7/10

4)Boom - very hot, and his voice is extra smooth here. However, as suggested by others, it has moments of "Yeah", which is a hindrance, as I personally believe Yeah is 5 times hotter. But in its own merit, Boom is still highly recommended. 9/10

5) How Could You - The other winner! This I believe is parallel to Let Me Love You. Addictive! 10/10

6) Girl I Need - It's sweet, but I'm not feelin' it! 8/10

7) Call the Cops - Ok, I initially really despied this song. But, to me, it has been one of my many 'growing' songs, and ya, it has grew on me. 9/10

8) Nikes Fresh Out the Box - this song is so gorgeous, as the music not only has a distinctive flavor, but the lyrics are so adorable, and I love the metaphor of a new pair of white Nikes as representative of a new gal, both requiring good care & high maintenance. 10/10

9) Here I Go Again - Again, this was a song that I had initially despised. But after repeated exposure, I'm luvin' it, and I especially love the unexpected modulation in the middle of the song. 9/10

10) Directions - I 'know' this song is beautiful, but I don't feel it. I understand why some others why others would love this song, but I don't feel it. 7.5/10

11) Like Me Real Hard - sweet, smooth ballad. Mario's voice is a saviour. 8/10

12) Shakedown - Didn't strike a nerve. Upbeat tho. 7/10

13) Let Me Love you (Remix) - almost complete makeover over the original. Doesn't connect with me as much as the original, however this is better for clubbing. 9.5/10

Mario's definitely not a little boy anymore. After a long hiatus from the world of music, 18-year-old Mario comes back with a bang! The last time we heard him, he sung about wanting his hair to be braided from front to back, side to side or criss-crossed. Three years later, Mario sings about love and relationships. What has caused this change? Growth, definite and proven growth. Mario's new album, Turning Point, doesn't resemble the last at all. His voice smoothes over every track proving to past fans and newcomers alike that Mario is here to stay. The album, which features guest appearances from Juvenile, Cassidy and Baby Sham, among others, travels over several different genres, from hip hop, to R&B, to Carribean and CRUNK&B. This album is definitely one for ages 14+. As Mario said on several appearances speaking of the new album, it showcases his growth and what he has experienced over the three years he was away. Unlike many artists who say this, Mario was entirely truthful. Turning Point is not a remix of the artist's debut. This album talks about sex, love, cheating, and even speaks on a quiet drama between Mario and one of today's "hottest" male stars. Turning Point is a good stocking stuffer for mature teens and adults, so pick it up if you think you can handle it!

This cd is great, even though some songs are a little weak. Mario is truly talented and to me a little more talented than Usher. Mario has such a strong voice to be only 18. His songs actually have some meaning. I like how he doesn't just sing about bad realationships. He sings about how wonderful it is to have a new girl an what he wants in a girl. I wish there were more singers out there like him.

My Favorites:
Let Me Love You
Boom
How Could You
Girl I Need
Here I Go Again
Nikes Fresh Out The Box
Let Me Love You (Remix)

Okay Songs:
18
Couldn't Say No
Call The Cops
Directions
Like Me Real Hard

All I can Say is Mario Keep Up The Good Work!

I gotta admit, I wasn't really a fan of Mario b4 I mean his 1st CD wuz aiight but Turning Point is off da chain. I can listen to every song on this CD and rarely skip. My favorites:

1. How Could You (Tight as hell, reason I brought the CD)
2. Let Me Love You (Too tight!)
3. Directions (Nice and smooth, this track is hot)

But if u'r a fan of R&B or if u weren't a fan of Mario b4 like I wuz, I recommend this CD cuz it is pretty tight.