Remember singer/songwriter Jon B.? Well after a long break, he released his 5th studio album, Helpless Romantic, today.
Jon’s classic sophomore album, Cool Relax, put the singer on the map back in 1997. The album contained three of his biggest hits; “They Don’t Know,” “Are U Still Down” (ft. Tupac Shakur), and “I Do (Whatcha Say Boo),” and was hailed as one of the best R&B albums released that year; not to mention, was certified platinum.
A lot has changed in the R&B game since he took a break to get married have a child and just live life. With the addition of new prominent R&B players, Ne-Yo, John Legend, and of course Robin Thicke and Justin Timberlake, you would think that he might be a little scared. But with his new release “Helpless Romantic” he proves that he still has it.
In between the clap beats, Spanish guitar strings and smooth pianos lies a decent album. Sticking with his signature formula, each track finds him complacently residing in his musical element. The up-tempo lead single “Oh So Sexy” featuring Paul Wall is a nice departure from the album’s more laid back flow while “Helpless Romantic” and “Paradise In You” are the love anecdotes that he’s known for.
It’s not until “Drops of Rain,” “Need It Bad” and “Get Up On It” that Jon not only finds a comfortable sultry groove but he refreshes our memories as to why we liked him in the first place.
Although there is no real high point to “Helpless Romantic” sometimes a smooth coast from beginning to end gets the job done.
So glad to see JON B’s return! It’s about time – love him!
Oh my god he is back!!!
I love me some Jon B and he is still handsome…
*scooby doo voice* aaarooooo…. lol… where have you been Jon B… I wish I could here these now, I’ll have to listen later when I get a chance…
go ‘head Robin Thicke
New album? Where’s the promotion?
i misss him im glad hes back
WOW…where in the white-boy-hell has Jon B been????? DAMN!! I remember him when I was in highschool…(dont listen to what people say….) LOL, I was jus singing this song the other day.
It’s about damn time! He is the truth.
O no!!! His hair line is receding!!!!!!!
All 3 songs work for me. Welcome back Jon B!
Omg…i so miss have missed the damn white boy.. dont eva go away again jon im so loving this cant wait for the new album.
p.s.
damn jon looks a lot like rob from Mtv’s Rob and Big they look like twins..lol
“MISSED YOU JON” welcome back….
Dang Job B where have you been; you used to be one of my favorites [ deyy dont know aboutt ourr loveee] &- all dha songs are hott . dhats what im tombout GOO JON B and u was always a cute White boy
“Grown and Sexy” music at its best!! I like.
I missed this ZERO promotion behind this project
Oh yeah, I’m definitely checkiing this one out. This is real R&B folks. Jon B always comes correct. I’ve noticed A lot of good R&B is coming out or has already come out this quarter: Eric Benet, Brandy, Anthony Hamilton, Musiq, Robin Thicke, Raphael Saadiq, Lyfe, Jazmine, John Legend, I love this outpour! We must support these people if want to continue to see this type of consistency.
@14-I know! I only knew about this album coming out because I listened to Jamie Foxx’s show this past Friday and he was on there talking about this new album. He also did an interview on AHH about a week ago. If it wasn’t for the internet, I don’t think I would’ve heard about it all. I haven’t listened to regular radio in years so I don’t know if they have even played his new material. Anyway, thank goodness for the web!
MISS LATIFAH, I ENJOYED YOUR REVIEW…NICE
Welcome Back Jon!!!!!
I love Jon…he’s lookin good too! I’ll be getting the album! Today!!!
hmmmmmmmmmmm okay???
THEY DONT KNOW still jamz in my car on my homemade throwback 90′s cd tho
Welcome Back Jon!!!!
that cover looks like the guy from SNL that was singing D**** in a box with JT.
or one of the color me bad guys
Finally….where has this man been hiding. Love me some Jon B!
Hmmmm he is cute!
JON B! Bam Bam!!!!
That just made the last few years for me!!!
I’m so glad he’s back! I saw him in concert back in college and he was wonderful!! I heard him speak recently on the radio and he is Independent now so that is why yall have not heard about this new joint. It’s SO SAD how REAL talent pretty much has to go the Independent route to get their music out there but you have all these trash “artists” being backed by major studios!!!!!
I was just watching “Someone to Love” with Babyface the other day on youtube…I’m so glad he’s back!! The original “blue-eyed soul!”
i had to get my copy….today…but where is the promotion….
Jon b. never disappoint…
Good news,
Man Jon B is the man and I checking him out on the first album. Anyone remember “gone before the light” or “Pretty Girl” or “Simple Melody” ?… And he’s a beast, good producer, writer, singer and can play a few instruments 2.
But if you head over to Allhiphop.com and read the interview he did last week. He was hating on Robin Thike and talking like a bitch. So yes…I’ll support and pick up his new joint but he needs to get the hate out of his blood for real
******I SAW HIM AT CLUB ANTRO IN SAN ANTONIO 2 WEEKS AGO. HE DID IS
******THING HE PERFOFMED FOR LIKE AND HOUR. THE GIRLS WERE GONG ******CRAZY.
Trying to get that Robin Thicke paper.
“Someone to Love” plays non-stop on my iPod.
I love me some Jon B….His last effort “Stronger Everyday” was phenomenal! I’ve put so many people on to him on that record alone! I’m so excited that he has a new release…I know he won’t dissapoint!!!
)
lmao @ 10!!! hahaha….rob???? idk about that one but it was still funny
this is my boy right here,i like what i’m hearing so far,he def should of did some promotion…and where in the helleva is the first single…video,something!!!
Jon b is back. That all i got to say.
I’m getting it..
Jon B is one incredibly talented man! I loved his songs back in the day! He really did disappear though. I had no idea he had an album out, he needs to come and tour in the UK
Sometimes going the independent route is a good thing because it means more artist freedom. I do wish this album had more promotion though because without CL I would never had known he was back again
About damn time! This album was supposed to drop last freaking year! I’ve been jamming to “Ooh So Sexy” since winter of ’06 LMAO! Whateva…happy to see it’s out. I like “On & On” and of course “Ooh So Sexy” BUT w/o Paul Wall’s wack ass. He f***ed up the whole damn song for me! “Won’t You Say Yeah” is okay too….
I am so glad Jon B is back. His voice is sensual and sexy. He never dissappoints! I will be purchasing this album!
Damn! I didn’t even know he was coming out with a new album, let alone it being released today! That’s a shame too, he was the truth back in the day… I’m glad to see he’s still got that original swagg!
He’s been gone for a minute. Glad he’s back. Love the new music.
Might check this album sounds like a good album that flies under the radar.
Nice review too.
JON B!
whoo-HOO! My white chocolate delight is back!
I gotta find my old Jon B CDs now.
Good to hear he is back, cool relax was one of my favorite CD’s
They are playing “oh so sexy” on adult radio here in DC. Dont expect to hear ny of his music on teeny bopper stations that are playing soulja boy, ashanti etc…
this album is really really good. “in to deep” is my song man. I love almost every track on here. I give him even more props for writing and producing the entire album…we need more authentic artists like this….
welcome back Boogati!!
Qustion who is:
Posted by: Latifah.Muhammad?
And glad to hear JonB is back
Chi Town Finest!!!
He didn’t have not one bad review from you guys thus far. It’s sad that we praise others but don’t give our own (like Kelly) a chance, basically just make jokingly comments like she should try something else. Whats wrong with this picture, I mean he’s a good singer but some people we tear down and they aren’t bad at all.
I can’t wait to get it
omg @ #30!!!! His first album is always playing in my car!!!! i love “love don’t do”, “gone before light”, “overflow”, and my FAVORITE “time after time”. That cd is so awesome!!!!
@46
I didn’t even notice until you posted that. Where is Brian:?:
ON AND ON SOUND LIKE MARIO. I LIKE THE SONG THO I LIKE ALL THE JOINTS ON HERE. I WILL BUY THE ALBUM
Brian is still here he just posted the John Legend album review yesterday. I met Latifah in NYC earlier this year and she does reviews for CL from time to time.
No offense Brian, but I am glad you are not doing the review. Gotta love Jon B., he never dissappointed me, loved every cd.
Actually, I just purchased “Helpless Romantic” today @ Best Buy and for me personally, “Everybody Here Wants You” was the high point. This song was originally
sung by Jeff Buckley, and was recently featured on Kenny Lattimore’s new CD as well. But I really love Jon B.’s version, it’s more intense and the production is very focused and uncomplicated. I am a faithful fan of Jon B., and every one of his projects have been nothing short of splendidly wonderful. I was personally saddened by how many people slept on ” Stronger Everyday”, which in my opinion was Jon B.’s best album to date. He really should have walked away with a Grammy for that album, if not a nomination at the very least. So far, I am loving this new album, it’s refreshing and in usual Jon B. fashion, celebrates women. My favorite tracks are: “Oh So Sexy”, “Get What You Want”, “Everybody Here Wants You”, “In Too Deep”, and “Helpless Romantic”. And Jon, if your reading this…this is your number one fan and myspace fam, Rhonda B. Congratulations on blessing us with another flawless album!
Now, this is what I call an album review! Hallejuah! Whoever wrote them before never gave any solid info that made me want to buy or not buy an album. This is how you write one and I may just go and check this album out at the library! LOL
Jon B yay!!
Latifah.Muhammad???
@56.
RIGHT!! Like did I miss something? The last time I checked (yesterday) the only people who worked for CL were Angel, Tianna, Brian, J. Dakar….
Who is this guy? I neva eva heard a’ him b4.
I went to Target and it was not for sell.
** I meant sale as on sale…