OMARION - O

(The CD audio side includes the entire album, featuring "O," "Touch," and "I'm Tryna." The DVD side includes the entire album in surround sound, an exclusive interview, MTV diary footage, and the making of the music video "O".)

Former B2K stud Omarion roars out of the gate with his solo debut, O. Shrugging off his boy band past, the singer takes an understandably more mature (and at times racy) approach on this 13-track set. Putting together some romantic croon tunes with a sprinkling of mid-tempo joints and upbeat bangers, the former pop idol has staked his claim as an up-and-coming urban legend with this well-produced disc.

The album may well have been called Q -- for Quality. It's there in every cut. Take the title track and lead single: a lush ballad with layered vocals (a signature of the whole disc) in which Omarion shows what it means to emote. His voice moves with the moods of love and longing and he hits the notes from just the right angles.

The middle of the set is where the juices really get flowing. "Drop That Heater" is a full-blooded party banger: a percussion-based dance joint with plenty of group-dance possibilities. It's a snappy clapper and a dance floor filler. The power track of the bunch is "Take It Off" (featuring Milaj). A bona fide muscle beat gives this sexy dance number its intoxicating appeal. Then there's the soul-infused "Never Gonna Let You Go (She's A Keepa)" (featuring Big Boi). The brass arrangements add tang and sass, and the song provides a peppy departure of style. Big Boi's rap isn't too shabby either.

But just as Omarion gives some weight to the middle of the set, he knows how to bring things down nicely to close out the album. "I'm Gon' Change" is smooth R&B at its best, with sweet, full vocals that build to a climax which lifts the listener up on a current of warm air. "In The Dark" is dreamier and more laid back, while "Slow Dancin'" finds the artist stretching out more vocally. Which leaves the closer, "Fiening You," a smooth and easy exit number that leaves you feeling mellow and satisfied.

Everyone knows about B2K and the stunning success they enjoyed. But time moves on and so do the truly talented artists. With O, Omarion shows his own growth as a performer. But more than that, he's come up with an album that can stand proudly along with the competition: including much more seasoned solo acts. Is it hot? O yes!

By Adrian Zupp