Omarion enters the music industry as a grown man with his sophomore solo release 21, a celebration of the age that brings independence, maturity and legal drinking. 21 is a celebration produced by The Underdogs, who recently worked with Chris Brown and Bryan Michael Cox, co-producer of Mariah Carey’s recent hit “Shake It Off.” The unique, funky and fresh production of 21 allows Omarion to avoid being written off as yet another unimpressive, young R’B artist. Unfortunately, Omarion’s weak vocals cause him to remain in the shadows of rivals Usher and Justin Timberlake. However, the album’s hit single “Icebox” has a unique and fresh hook, while “Electric” and “Do It” both stand out with funky old-school baselines. It is only when Omarion plays it safe on the uninspired “What Are We Doing” that the maturing artist sounds like nothing more than just another juvenile R’B act.
Grade: B
– Zola Coleman, Muse Staff