"Blackberry Molasses" is one of those one-hit wonders that few people actually have in their music collections. It was a hit for the R&B group Mista on the radio in 1996, but it probably did little for the members as far as money, power, and respect. Fast forward nearly 10 years later and out comes Bobby Valentino from the group Mista making moves on his own. The truth of the matter is that Mista had a second album under super-producer Timbaland that never materialized due to management issues, so Bobby Valentino ultimately went on to college and earn a degree at Clark Atlanta University. But music was still in his blood, and Bobby Valentino was itching to jump back into the music biz and take another shot at gaining some recognition for his talents. With the help of fellow Southerner Ludacris, Bobby Valentino finally gets to share his own vision with his self-titled release and find the shine he never had a chance to capture back in the mid 90s.
I have to admit, I had my doubts about Bobby Valentino from the start. True, everybody and their mommas were loving "Slow Down" but I just wasn't convinced that this album let alone Bobby Valentino deserved my hard earned money. So months went by, with no thought of grabbing his disc from the local music retailer or even the music clubs I was a member of. Then one day, I got the nerve to listen to a copy of the album after hearing "Tell Me" on the radio. With one listen, I came to the realization that I had been totally wrong about Bobby Valentino. Sure, he's not the best crooner there is in the R&B world. But his singing still possesses that realism and coolness like a Mary J or even a Lyfe Jennings.

"Never Lonely" has that classic Jodeci feel to it, but doesn't come off as 'dated' considering Jodeci hasn't had an album since Mista's was out! "My Angel (Never Leave You)" tells a tale of having love and doing whatever it takes to hold on to that special someone. "Want You To Know Me" is a good tune to nod your head to and enjoy, along with songs like "Come Touch Me" and the aforementioned "Tell Me." Bobby has a bunch of good slow cuts that are great contenders for future radio singles. Some include the melodic "I'll Forgive You," "Lights Down Low," and "One Girl To Love." He even does an okay attempt at falsetto with "Love Dream" but probably should steer clear of any future efforts and stick to what works for his voice.

The only songs that don't quite make the grade are the Ludacris-assisted "Give Me A Chance" and "Gangsta Love." I actually like the remix version of "Slow Down" better than the original cut (even though it does include one of Jodeci's signature lines.) Clocking in at just over an hour, Bobby Valentino is a great addition to your collection. Don't wait another day let alone another couple months like I did and basically cheat yourself out of a good album. This is pretty good stuff from a guy who is lucky to have another shot at stardom in the first place!

I love Bobby Valentino's First Track 'Slow Down' So I had to get the Album. This Album is HOT it ranges from Upbeat R&B to Soft Soul. For Bobby's First Album this is a Great way to start out. He is not only fine but has the talent to face up to the like of Usher in due time.

If your a HUGE fan of R&B/Soul then this is an album you can listen to it over and over and when you need to chill by yourself or with your love one this is the album to listen to!

My Ratings
Tracks
#1 Some Bobby - Intro 3/10

#2 Slow Down - R&B With a mix of harps & Indian Drums 10/10

#3 Give Me A Chance Feat Ludacris - Upbeat R&B, with Indian Drums & Ludacris Raps on the song 10/10

#4 Never Lonely - Reminds Me Of Jodeci V. Soulful 10/10

#5 Mista Valentino (Interlude)- A Bit Corny 0/10

#6 Tell Me - Snappy Drums with Original R&B Feel 10/10

#7 My Angel (Never Leave You) - Soulful Slightly Upbeat R&B - 10/10

#8 Want You To Know Me - A Soft Soulful Song With Meaningful Lyrics 8/10

#9 Gangsta Love - A Jagged Edge Feel Soulful Slightly Upbeat R&B 9/10

#10 Come Touch Me - Most Upbeat Song on the Album but still R&B 10/10

#11 I'll Forgive You (Interlude) - 4/10

#12 I'll Forgive You - Smooth song with mature lyrics 9/10

#13 Love Dream - A Relaxing smooth song with soft snare. Bobby's Voice Sounds slightly different though. 6/10

#14 Lights Down Low - A Sexy, Soft, Smooth Inviting R&B Song with soft harps and snare 10/10

#15 One Girl To Love - A Mature almost Acapella Sweet Song With Meaningful Lyrics 9/10

#16 Thankyou Lord (Outro) - 5/10

#17 Slow Down [Remix][*] - This Song has a Jodeci Feel & even has the Lyrics 'Baby I'm Beggin' Baby I'm Beggin' Beggin Beggin Baby'. However most Remixes are just as good as the Original Version almost more Upbeat whereas this Remix is'nt - The Lyrics & Beat are Weak I much prefer the Original Version!

Bobby "Valentino" Wilson has come a long way since his days with Mista (who are probably ONLY known for 1996's "Blackberry Molasses"). Fast-forward to 2004, and he found himself recruited by Ludacris, upon which he started making appearances on DTP rappers' albums. Because of this, I wasn't really interested in picking up his album because as reviewer Fly_Girl08 hinted at, when R&B artists that are only known for singing the hooks to rap songs try to drop albums, they really aren't very impressive; and if not that, the albums just never come out (Rell, anyone?). But Bobby's self-titled album is actually quite good.

As evidenced by the catchy single "Slow Down", most of the songs on here are indeed slowed down. And that makes for impressive tracks like "Lights Down Low" and "I'll Forgive You", as well as "One Girl to Love" (but in response to the editorial reviewer, that song isn't about sex; it's about finding that perfect person). And "Love Dream" uses the hit-or-miss approach of singing an entire song in falsetto, but fortunately for Bobby, he hits.

The uptempo songs aren't as great, however. In fact, the only one that impresses is the necessary end-of-album remix-of-the-first-single (which interpolates a line from Jodeci's "Cry For You"). Elsewhere, Bobby tends to get a little corny, as evidenced by "Gangsta Love", "Come Touch Me" and "Tell Me" (sorry, but the chorus ruined it for me). Aside from that, Bobby V's album would make a nice addition to your collection.

Anthony Rupert

I havent picked up a CD like this in years. All you need to do is put in and hit play. It stays in my bedroom CD player. I am so glad to hear an R&B album without rappers on it. I LOVE hip-hop but when I throw on my R&B, I dont want to hear my favorite rapper. Only Ludacris makes an appeareance (It is Luda's artist after all). From top to bottom the CD is great!!! Even the Slowdown remix is tight!! He could close his eyes and just point at a track to pick his next single. No album fillers here. R&B lovers, this is the CD for us.

Bobby " Valentino" Wilson got his start in the biz at the tender age of thirteen in the Boyz 2 Men style singing group Mista. Despite a small hit with "Blackberry Molasses" the group did'nt do so hot in the long run. But after attending Clark Atlanta University Bobby realized his love for music was unshakable. He joined forces with Ludacris and DTP and released his solo album "Disturbing Tha Peace Presents, Bobby Valentino" After huge success with "Slow Down" he released a club banger "Tell Me" and his thoughtful ballad "My Angel" which is about his parents love for one another should be making waves on the airways soon. The album is full of songs equally apt for the club or the bedroom. My personal favorite, "Tell Me" is one of the hottest joints of the year. Bobby has a great voice and really put his all into this CD. If you don't take my word for it, take his, while promoting his album on BET's 106&Park, he offered an eight song guarantee. There you go!

Victoria