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Turning Point (by Mario, R&B)

common sense media says

Mario is talented, but he needs better material.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that double-standard posturing detracts from this young singer's enormous talent.

Positive messages: The "n" word is used; there's an implied sexual double-standard.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Innuendo, just short of explicit, on a couple of songs.
Language: Occasional four-letter words.
Consumerism: There's a whole song about new Nikes.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

More on Turning Point

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about why someone so clearly born to be a soul singer feels he has to give in to obvious peer pressure, and what they would do in similar circumstances.

What's the story?

What's the story?
There is no doubt that Mario, at age 18, is a young man with phenomenal talent. Oddly enough, that's kind of a problem on TURNING POINT. In a voice that seems made to sing romantic soul and R&B, he twists himself around sexist innuendo, double-standard posturing, and strong language that does not roll easily off his velvet tongue. On ballads like "Let Me Love You" and "Directions" you'll hear spare, tasteful instrumental arrangements setting the stage for soulful, expressive singing -- Mario at his best. Even on these tracks, the songs themselves are not memorable, but the delivery is exquisite. The wilder tracks are less successful, as Mario tries to twist his beautiful voice around the "n" word, for example, on "18," or recount a backroom tryst in "Call the Cops."

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Careful production and terrific arrangements give Turning Point a glossy sheen throughout. This helps a lot, but it would be wonderful to see Mario take a real risk, find some exceptional songwriters to work with, drop the immature street-wise posturing, and embrace the romantic soulful ballads that he was clearly born to sing.

Music themes & details

Music Details
Released on: December 7, 2004
Label: J Records
Genre: R&B

This review was written by Kathi Kamen Goldmark
 
 

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age