Hurt No More (by Mario Winans, R&B)

Mario Winans wears a large cross in his cover photo (over the "Bad Boy Athletics" Sean John tank top he just happened to throw on that day -- completely coincidentally there is an insert advertising the fact that Sean John fashions will soon be available at Bloomingdales) and thanks God first in the acknowledgments on HURT NO MORE. Most of this album does sound like exactly what it is -- a good boy branching out a bit from his legacy as the descendant of a famous Detroit gospel music family. A talented drummer and veteran producer and songwriter, Winans steps out from behind the mixing board to strut his own stuff, and mostly does it very well. He has the looks and voice of a full-tilt R&B heartthrob.

Most of the lyrics are heartbroken pleas to a cheating sweetheart. But the "N" word is used too often for many people's comfort level, and one song, "Pretty Girl Bulls**t" pulls out all the stops in an effort to be offensive in every possible way, earning the album its crucial parental advisory credentials. The rest is sweet and soulful music performed by an extremely talented performer who has what it takes to go the distance, if he can get comfortable with himself and give up the hip-hop posturing.

Released on: April 18, 2004
Label: Bad Boy Entertainment
Genre: R&B
Parental advisory: Yes
Edited version available: Yes