EXCLUSIVE [886971204926]

After his sensational debut in 2005, Chris Brown returns with this Exclusive second album. Fulfilling the promise he showed when he debuted at 16, Brown the 18-year-old has grown into his job as full service R&B entertainer. The words that keep being thrown at Brown on this one are "more mature," and "grown up," but maturation suits him well.

Like his idol Michael Jackson, Brown aims to parlay his early success into a lifetime career. And whether he's crooning, squealing or high steppin' it across the dancefloor, he does it with a style and finesse that belies his years. Playing around with different styles and special guests, Brown is the perfect host, never succumbing to cheap thrills, low blows or easy targets: he's a professional all the way.

"Throwed" opens the album on a bright note, taking in reggae style as it keeps the focus on Brown's silky smooth vocal delivery. "Kiss Kiss," featuring T-Pain (who also produced the track), has proved to be an early listener favorite. It has the g-funk flava but leaves the low-down side of life to the original g's.

"With You" is surprising in that it features some acoustic strumming; it sounds like it's destined to be a gigantic crossover hit. Fuelled by strings and Brown's excellent vocalizing, this is the singer at his best, talking romance and delivering it in a slick and complementary package.

"Picture Perfect" packs in more bounce to the ounce, thanks to the input of Black Eyed Pea, Will.I.Am. The Peas' producer and artist in his own right is able to infuse Brown's music with his personal, electronic-beat stamp, but he still manages to let Brown be the one to shine.

"Hold Up" -- with Big Boi sitting in -- is a little more laidback in its approach, though it definitely has the sound of authentic Atlanta jam. Brown has a talent for changing it up and the next track, "You," slides nice and easy into romantic R&B stylings.

"Wall to Wall" has a tough but sweet sound. "Gimme Whatcha Got" features Lil Wayne doing a rap while Brown handles the vocal dynamics. Everyone's talking about the duet with Kanye West, "Down," with its rock 'n' R&B track and all around love vibe. But 16 tracks later, special guests and all, there is only one star of the Exclusive Chris Brown show and that is the decidedly more grown up Brown himself.

By Daisy Duarte