The new album is highly disappointing; it’s no wonder that criticisms continue to plague the Mississippi native as incapable of breaking through, despite his tenacity and spirit. As a listener, it’s just so frustrating to continually see V (despite the amount of talent) dabbling in mediocrity - this is what is wrong with the state of r&b these days; its confused, over-thought and all over the place. V is indicative of a poor man’s Ginuwine or a street-focused Babyface, however missing the charm, the lyrical prowress and musical sensibilities or know-how of those who he tries to emulate. I guess you can try to categorise Bobby V’s style with the type of sophisticated recognisability that is far too dependent upon heavy stylisation and over-instrumentation courtesy of choppy 808s, ¾ snares, oriental samplings and high pitched synths and squeals complements of Tim and Bob. I had high hopes that a reborn Bobby V would return but it’s the same thing all over again, just labelled differently. The new material sounds completely dated. What works against Bobby’s favour is song structure most of which are ad-hoc and awkwardly pieced together. Whoever o.k. or permitted these to seep through to the final cutting room floor needs to be fired immediately. The structure of several songs are also let down by poor beat composition and selection. The beats don’t mesh well among several of the songs and at times the complexibility of the beats often dictate and ruin the flow and the listening experience for listeners. Take for example, “Be My Love”, what could have possibly been an amazing song is let down by an awkward and weak song structure. What starts off sounding like Beyonce’s “Halo” is completely 360’ed by an aggressive off-beat beat. Once the chorus sets in, the song is at its most enjoyable.

Even with the likes of Dre & Vidal, LOS and Tim and Bob onboard, the Rebirth is short on substance and can’t quite match the magic of previous efforts. It is obvious that Bobby V’s faith in Tim and bob are not rewarded. Many of their contributions are routinely pedestrian (“Make You The Only One” and “3 is the New 2”, despite its commercial readiness). Bobby just doesn’t cut on most of their contributions, say like a Joe or a Brian Mcknight would have. First single, “Beep” feat. Young Joc (why oh why) tries too hard to become a “Turn The Page” Pt. 2 while “Butterfly Tattoo” sounds too much like Usher’s “Trading Places” – did the Dream co-produced and write this, kinda sounds like it?

Despite all its shortcomings and slips structurally, the second half of the record is more redeeming and where Bobby V is at his best. “Stay With Me” is the type of love devotion song I immediately identify with Bobby V; one of records strongest cuts, structurally and production wise – I can definitely seeing this becoming a fan favourite: I do anything/And everything/To prove my love to you/We more than physical/Babygirl we’re spiritual/ Baby nobody do me like you do/So hold on to me/ Cos I’m all the man that you need/In time you’ll see/No ones gonna do/No ones gonna do you like me/Stay with me. The Raphael Saadiq guitar assisted “Just Me & U” is one of the more enjoyable and softer mid-tempo highlights on an often convoluted and uneasy listening experience. For me personally, the standout track is “Another Life”, not only because Bobby vocally is on point (some of his best falsettoes) and does his best Prince impersonation but it validates what can happened when the right artist and the right production match. This is also evident on the amazing “Dance The Night Away” Interlude which sounds very familiar – is it a cover??: Oh me/Baby don’t let me go/This feeling, I’m feeling/In your arms, they continue to grow/When we move to the left/We move to the right/I spin you around/Look into your eyes/We’ll be dancin’/Dancin’ the night/The night away. The interludes simple understated piano accompaniment does wonders for Bobby’s heartfelt richness, tone and mimicry of Michael Jackson to pour through. The gospel-tinged “Girl Give Me Your Heart” is also recommended.

The Rebirth would bid better with 6-7 tracks being cut from the tracklist to make way for a more consistent and cohesive artistic statement. For future projects, B would greatly benefit from working with different writers to expand his craft and repertoire – I strongly suggest Robin Thicke to bring out the light and shade and a more stripped softer offering, and the Dream and Garrett for those catchy club hits. Stay away from Tim and Bob.
[Edited 2/6/09 11:43am]

Sounds more like DOA.