Corporate Line: The culmination of a decade’s long journey is the Mario Winans’ Bad Boy debut, Hurt No More. This is soul music that bridges the gap between the hard-edged flavor of modern day R&B music and the honest, vulnerable passion in the music of years gone by. Vulnerability is a key theme on Hurt No More. Mario brings an earnest, sincere approach to his music that hasn’t been heard in years. “This record is about relationships, pure and simple. We all have hearts. Sometimes we have to look deeper into what we’re saying and doing to the people we care about. At the bottom of these fights, it’s usually always something deeper.”
The Good:
“Never Really Was” – Gorgeous production interlaced with Winans vocal personality. It’s not the usual R&B without a soul.
“Pretty Girl Bullsh*t” – Hot, hot, hot and Foxy Brown isn’t bad either.
“How I Made It” – Winans brings in a flavor and a beat that recharges you.
“Disbelief” – Babyface has found a new challenger.
The Average:
“I Don’t Wanna Know” – Winans vocals don’t blow you away—P. Diddy’s brings the party down.
“What’s Wrong With Me” – A sexy funky style that shows Winans’ range.
“You Knew” – Too slow to be a favorite.
The Ugly: Zip, zilch, nada.
Frankly: Mario Winans sounds like Babyface. The biggest issue with Hurt No More is the last five tracks. Winans should have left those songs behind for a better overall record—those who want more bang for their buck will be satisfied even if you don’t listen to tracks 13-17.
+ CC Morris
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