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.







Product Description

Platinum-selling recording artist Deborah Cox returns with her first new studio album in six years, The Promise. The album marks the former Clive Davis protege's return to the world of R&B, wher her song 'Nobody's Supposed To Be Here' broke the record for the longest-running number one singele on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip Hip Songs chart. Top-flight production help from Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis, Jon Legend, and Devo Springsteen assure that The Promise will be Deborah Cox's biggest release yet!

Release Date: November 11, 2008

I’m definitely checking out Deborah Cox. Heard most of Jon Bs and not feeling it. Plus he looks greasy the cover

Looking forward to deborah's new cd.
That first single from jon b's new effort is wack.

deborah's lead single "did you really love me" is off the chain..love it.

can't buy jon b's cd cuz i already bought robin thicke's shitty cd, so my quota of neo-soul blue-eyed crossover artists is filled for the year

did you write that review or just copy and past?

helpless romantic is one of his most consistent works to date, lovin the quiet storm production on the album. i think it was very tempting for him to get in the studio with mainstream songwriters and producers like stargate, polow da don and et. al but to his credit and unwillingness to compromise, it would have just sounded like everything else - in terms of a throwback, this album could have easily come from the 90s. its u, on and on and in too deep are my favourites thus far. his cover of everybody here wants you is very understated and brooding and stays close the original.
[Edited 10/29/08 6:13am]

Fury said:

I thought "Beautiful U R" was her lead-off single? Perhaps the 2nd single then?

Wowugotit said:

Yeah, I’ve never heard this other song. I love Beautiful U R.

viciuzurban said:

nah... I just copied and paste

banks said:

I guess nobody went out and bought her covers album Destination Moon..which is pretty good...