But in the pop-locking wake of future sex symbols Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, and Omarion, Bobby V was forced into the cut. Now, with his sophomore set, Special Occasion, a cohesive collection
of modern ballads, Valentino carves his own lane—a fusion
of early ’90’s R&B
with new millennium aesthetics, like Tevin Campbell with a Sidekick.
As a result, Occasion is light on club-tailored tracks, and thankfully so. Where Valentino really shines is the midtempo ballad. On “Home Is Where You Belong,” cowritten and produced by Delite, Valentino pleads for his woman to return
to him over light, melodic harpsichords, and on the piano-anchored, Rodney Jerkins–produced single “Turn the Page,” he’s vocally dazzling.
Finally, despite his new-school standing, Bobby reveals a strong reverence for the old on his shockingly faithful cover of Babyface’s 1989 slow-walk “Soon As I Get Home.” Why dance when you can just serenade your way to the top?
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Article tags: Bobby Valentino, Special Occassion
Page printed from:
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Comments
1.
MJ says:
hey god damn you r so SEXY and im like your biggest fan in the world well just wanted to say hey & you should come down to MOBILE the true DIRTY SOUTH
March 29, 2007 at 2:42 pm
2.
Kim says:
Bobby's CD is the absolute truth. Its a shame that he does not get as much exposure as an Omarion or a Chris Brown. His lyrical content and his voice are amazing. I've loved him since his Mista days. You should cop this album if you want some real soul...
January 1, 2007 at 8:04 pm