The Introduction of Marcus Cooper (2009)

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This album is a hot mess. I know the preceding statement insufficiently qualifies as an elegant critique, but then again this isn’t an elegant album. It’s not even a guilty pleasure. A proxy for all that has eroded the prominence of radio R&B music; the former Pretty Ricky member delivers a loud, crass bit of noise straining for urban chic. Every cliché for what passes as contemporary soul pop is present. Auto-tuned vocals? Check. Anthemic synth pop tracks? Check. Hollow 808 beats? Check. Melodies you’ve heard a million times before and didn’t like the first time? Check. Boastful, nursery rhyme lyricism about "shorties" and empty sex? Double Check. Nasal, undersinging? Triple Check. You running in the opposite direction of these dubious pleasures? Priceless.  Notable Tracks: "Birthday Suit (it’s the single).

Vocals: 1 star
Lyrics: 1 star
Music: 1 star
Production: 2.5 stars
SoulTracks Call: You’re kidding, right?

By L. Michael Gipson

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