Bobby Valentino: Special Occasion

First, let's just state the facts. Bobby Valentino debuted at number 3 on the Billboard Top 200, his first week out the gate with his sophomore album, "Special Occasion". Not only that, but his first single, "Anonymous," has been all over 106 and Park, even reaching number one on the countdown during the first week of its release. With that said, it's no wonder that with all the controversy surrounding the DTP family lately, Bobby V. has not budged.

On the track "Home Is Where You Belong," Valentino definetly brings out the "baby-making music". In the song, he's pleading like an old school K.C. and JoJo record, for his ex to come back to him. The track "Checkin For Me", sounds good enough to become the next single off "Special Occasion". It's a boy meets girl, summer love song, very reminiscent of "Slow Down", the hit single from his 1st album "DTP Presents: Bobby Valentino".

But, all relationships do not end happily ever after even for this ATL heartthrob. Bobby paints a sad picture of a couple on the verge of a breakup over her emotional baggage from a past relationship, as he belts out:"He made it so hard for me to love you/But I'm here now/How can I make it clear now /The story ain't ova not now." The last song on the album is called "Right There/Thank You" and although I'm not sure who Bobby is thanking,(Fans? Girlfriend? Homies? Mother?) it's a beautiful song.

This album is good from beginning to end. Bobby Valentino is back, and his voice is sounding better than ever. He can rest assured that he won't ever be called a "One-Hit Wonder," with a follow-up album so emotional and hearfelt. "Special Occasion" is a big change from the norm in the sense that Bobby actually sounds like he loves to sing, and cares about his music. His current die-hard fans, and consumers stumbling upon this album will not be disappointed.
T. Smith