Turning Point (album)
Encyclopedia
Turning Point is the second studio album by American R&B
singer-songwriter Mario, released by J Records
in 2004.
The first single from the album was "Let Me Love You
" which hit number one in the United States and number two in the United Kingdom, becoming his biggest hit to date. The second single was a split single. In the U.S., "How Could You
" a song written by Bay Area singer-songwriter J. Valentine was released (reaching number 52) but in the UK, Here I Go Again
was released (reaching number 11). The fourth and final single from the album in the US was "Boom
" featuring Juvenile.
The album guests including Cassidy, Juvenile
, Baby Cham and for the official "Let Me Love You
" remix features Jadakiss
and T.I.
In the UK, the album received a Parental Advisory
sticker. Due to the success of the album, it was released in a DualDisc
edition.
, Mario explained: "One of the biggest reasons I wanted to do it is that I did want to stand out from everybody. I get to share it with the world," he said. "It's good for me. I been blessed to be in this situation. Everything's been going great. I just been pacing myself, working real hard on this album. That's what my life is about right now: my transition into manhood."
The interviewer from MTV said : "If you look at the production credits for the mid-tempo record, you may be surprised to discover that the song was produced by Scott Storch
, who's been making noise with club bangers like "Baby Boy" and "Lean Back" the last couple of years."
Mario said "He did a lot of stuff back in the day, you'd be surprised," Mario said of the producer's talents and versatility. "He played me some stuff he did for Erykah Badu, for Lauryn Hill, for Eminem and 50 Cent. When I went to Scott, we went in the studio and freestyled and came up with some great records."
The interviewer stated: "Storch also produced "Call the Cops" and the "Let Me Love You" remix with Jadakiss and T.I. Mario called on Lil Jon and Juvenile for "Boom."
Mario answered: "It's a straight club banger," Mario said. "There's another record called 'How Could You.' I did that with the Underdogs. It's a ballad about me being in a relationship with some shorty. She was doing some things behind my back. I'm telling her, 'Yo, how can you teach somebody the ghetto Kama Sutra?' It's a timeless record, real strong and powerful. Then there's a record called 'Nikes Fresh Out the Box.' I'm talking about a girl, but I'm comparing her to my Nikes.
, as an opening act for Destiny's Child American leg.
Baz Dreisinger from Blender
sais that "Though the Baltimore-born singer is newly legal (as he tells us on the too-terse club jam "18"), his enticingly even-toned voice—smooth as R. Kelly's—transcends teen-pop. It’s even manly enough to convey lovelorn intensity ("Here I Go Again"), offer explicit "Directions" to an uncorrupted gal pal ("Trust me, I got skills"), then sweetly stage an "intimate talk" with her ("Like Me Real Hard"). Only his age-appropriate tracks—the singsong club jingle "Girl I Need", or the irony-free homage to "Nikes fresh out the box"—remind us that Mario is not a boy, but not yet a man."
The review from Virgin Media
explains that "the production is tight throughout the album but not overly polished, and there is enough edge maintained from start to finish to suggest that Mario may indeed buck a few R&B trends in the months to come".
The review from Entertainment Weekly
says that "POINT is plenty catchy..." giving to the album a (B-)
in the U.S, selling over 1.2 million copies. The last appearance was week 37/2005 in the Belgium Albums Top 50. Its peak position was number 6, on the Dutch Albums Top 100, it stayed there for 1 week. Its highest entry was number 9 in the Dutch Albums Top 100.
Contemporary R&B
Contemporary R&B is a music genre that combines elements of hip hop, soul, R&B and funk.Although the abbreviation “R&B” originates from traditional rhythm and blues music, today the term R&B is most often used to describe a style of African American music originating after the demise of disco in...
singer-songwriter Mario, released by J Records
J Records
J Records was an American record label, owned and operated by Sony Music Entertainment, and was distributed through the RCA Music Group.-Company history:...
in 2004.
The first single from the album was "Let Me Love You
Let Me Love You
"Let Me Love You" is an R&B song by American recording artist Mario, from his second studio album Turning Point . It was co-written by Shaffer "Ne-Yo" Smith, and Scott Storch, who also produced it...
" which hit number one in the United States and number two in the United Kingdom, becoming his biggest hit to date. The second single was a split single. In the U.S., "How Could You
How Could You
"How Could You " is a R&B single by Mario. It is the second single from his second studio album Turning Point. The single was released on March, 2005.The single debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 93. How Could You also debuted in Australia Singles Top 50 at number 43. The song was produced...
" a song written by Bay Area singer-songwriter J. Valentine was released (reaching number 52) but in the UK, Here I Go Again
Here I Go Again (Mario song)
"Here I Go Again" is a R&B single by Mario. It is the third single from his second studio album Turning Point. The single was released on May 2005. It was produced by Drama Family Ent. and Ron "Neff-U" Feemster. The single debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number 11...
was released (reaching number 11). The fourth and final single from the album in the US was "Boom
Boom (Mario song)
"Boom" is an R&B single by Mario featuring Juvenile. It is the fourth and final single from his second studio album Turning Point. The single was released on October 3, 2005. The song it was produced by Lil Jon and written by Lamarquis Jefferson, Lil Jon, Johnta Austin, Craig Love and Juvenile...
" featuring Juvenile.
The album guests including Cassidy, Juvenile
Juvenile (rapper)
Terius Gray, better known by his stage name Juvenile, is an American rapper, He is also a former member of hip-hop group the Hot Boys . At the age of 19, he began recording raps, releasing his debut album Being Myself in 1995...
, Baby Cham and for the official "Let Me Love You
Let Me Love You
"Let Me Love You" is an R&B song by American recording artist Mario, from his second studio album Turning Point . It was co-written by Shaffer "Ne-Yo" Smith, and Scott Storch, who also produced it...
" remix features Jadakiss
Jadakiss
Jason Phillips , better known as Jadakiss, is an American rapper. He is a member of the group The LOX. Jadakiss is one of the three owners of the imprint known as D-Block. In early 2007, Jadakiss signed to Roc-a-Fella Records / Def Jam Records.-Early life:By the age of 16, Jadakiss was a freestyle...
and T.I.
T.I.
Clifford Joseph Harris, Jr. , better known by his stage name T.I., is an American rap artist, film and music producer, actor and author. He is also the founder and co-chief executive officer of Grand Hustle Records....
In the UK, the album received a Parental Advisory
Parental Advisory
Parental Advisory is a message affixed by the Recording Industry Association of America to audio and recordings in the United States containing excessive use of profane language and/or sexual references. Albums began to be labeled for "explicit lyrics" in 1985, after pressure from the Parents...
sticker. Due to the success of the album, it was released in a DualDisc
DualDisc
DualDisc was a type of double-sided optical disc product developed by a group of record companies including EMI Music, Universal Music Group, Sony/BMG Music Entertainment, Warner Music Group, and 5.1 Entertainment Group and later under the aegis of the Recording Industry Association of America...
edition.
Concept and themes
In an interview with MTVMTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
, Mario explained: "One of the biggest reasons I wanted to do it is that I did want to stand out from everybody. I get to share it with the world," he said. "It's good for me. I been blessed to be in this situation. Everything's been going great. I just been pacing myself, working real hard on this album. That's what my life is about right now: my transition into manhood."
The interviewer from MTV said : "If you look at the production credits for the mid-tempo record, you may be surprised to discover that the song was produced by Scott Storch
Scott Storch
Scott Storch is an American record producer. He produces a variety of music, particularly hip hop, reggaeton, and R&B. His label, Storch Music Company responsible for signing Brooke Hogan and Nox...
, who's been making noise with club bangers like "Baby Boy" and "Lean Back" the last couple of years."
Mario said "He did a lot of stuff back in the day, you'd be surprised," Mario said of the producer's talents and versatility. "He played me some stuff he did for Erykah Badu, for Lauryn Hill, for Eminem and 50 Cent. When I went to Scott, we went in the studio and freestyled and came up with some great records."
The interviewer stated: "Storch also produced "Call the Cops" and the "Let Me Love You" remix with Jadakiss and T.I. Mario called on Lil Jon and Juvenile for "Boom."
Mario answered: "It's a straight club banger," Mario said. "There's another record called 'How Could You.' I did that with the Underdogs. It's a ballad about me being in a relationship with some shorty. She was doing some things behind my back. I'm telling her, 'Yo, how can you teach somebody the ghetto Kama Sutra?' It's a timeless record, real strong and powerful. Then there's a record called 'Nikes Fresh Out the Box.' I'm talking about a girl, but I'm comparing her to my Nikes.
Release and promotion
In 2005 Mario supported the R&B trio Destiny Child in their tour, Destiny Fulfilled ... And Lovin' ItDestiny Fulfilled ... And Lovin' It
Destiny Fulfilled ... And Lovin' It Tour was a massive worldwide 2005 concert tour by the reunited American female R&B trio Destiny's Child, that visited 16 countries throughout Australia, Japan, Middle East, Europe, and North America with 67 dates in total. The U.S...
, as an opening act for Destiny's Child American leg.
DualDisc Edition
Due to the success of the album, it was repackaged and released in a DualDisc format on April 19, 2005 in the U.S. It includes the album in Enhanced Stereo, the music videos for "Let Me Love You" and "How Could You"; Sessions at AOL Special Live Performances of "Let Me Love You" and "How Could You"; and a Photo Gallery.Critical response
Jason Birchmeier from Allmusic writes that "Above all, though, it's "Let Me Love You" and its remix that make Turning Point a noteworthy effort for this teenager and a fine second album overall".Baz Dreisinger from Blender
Blender (magazine)
Blender was an American music magazine that billed itself as "the ultimate guide to music and more". It was also known for sometimes steamy pictorials of celebrities....
sais that "Though the Baltimore-born singer is newly legal (as he tells us on the too-terse club jam "18"), his enticingly even-toned voice—smooth as R. Kelly's—transcends teen-pop. It’s even manly enough to convey lovelorn intensity ("Here I Go Again"), offer explicit "Directions" to an uncorrupted gal pal ("Trust me, I got skills"), then sweetly stage an "intimate talk" with her ("Like Me Real Hard"). Only his age-appropriate tracks—the singsong club jingle "Girl I Need", or the irony-free homage to "Nikes fresh out the box"—remind us that Mario is not a boy, but not yet a man."
The review from Virgin Media
Virgin Media
Virgin Media Inc. is a company which provides fixed and mobile telephone, television and broadband internet services to businesses and consumers in the United Kingdom...
explains that "the production is tight throughout the album but not overly polished, and there is enough edge maintained from start to finish to suggest that Mario may indeed buck a few R&B trends in the months to come".
The review from Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly
Entertainment Weekly is an American magazine, published by the Time division of Time Warner, that covers film, television, music, broadway theatre, books and popular culture...
says that "POINT is plenty catchy..." giving to the album a (B-)
Awards and accolades
The album was nominated for Best Contemporary R&B Album at the Grammy Awards.Chart performance
Its first appearance was in the Billboard Albums Top 200, selling roughly 161,000 copies in the first week, debuting at number thirteen later certified PlatinumMusic recording sales certification
Music recording sales certification is a system of certifying that a music recording has shipped or sold a certain number of copies, where the threshold quantity varies by type and by nation or territory .Almost all countries follow variations of the RIAA certification categories,...
in the U.S, selling over 1.2 million copies. The last appearance was week 37/2005 in the Belgium Albums Top 50. Its peak position was number 6, on the Dutch Albums Top 100, it stayed there for 1 week. Its highest entry was number 9 in the Dutch Albums Top 100.
Singles
- The first single, "Let Me Love YouLet Me Love You"Let Me Love You" is an R&B song by American recording artist Mario, from his second studio album Turning Point . It was co-written by Shaffer "Ne-Yo" Smith, and Scott Storch, who also produced it...
", was released on October 12, 2004. Produced by Scott StorchScott StorchScott Storch is an American record producer. He produces a variety of music, particularly hip hop, reggaeton, and R&B. His label, Storch Music Company responsible for signing Brooke Hogan and Nox...
, it was a worldwide success, peaking at #1 on the Billboard Hot 100Billboard Hot 100The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
for nine consecutive weeks and #1 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songsHot R&B/Hip-Hop SongsHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,...
for eleven consecutive weeks, respectively. In the UK, the single peaked at #2 just falling short of the number spot. It also peaked at #1 in New Zealand, Germany and the Netherlands, becoming his biggest hit to date. - "How Could YouHow Could You"How Could You " is a R&B single by Mario. It is the second single from his second studio album Turning Point. The single was released on March, 2005.The single debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 at number 93. How Could You also debuted in Australia Singles Top 50 at number 43. The song was produced...
" was the second single, peaking at #52 on the Billboard Hot 100Billboard Hot 100The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
and #14 on Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songsHot R&B/Hip-Hop SongsHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,...
. It was however a worldwide disappointment only reaching #37 in Australia. - The third single, "Here I Go AgainHere I Go Again (Mario song)"Here I Go Again" is a R&B single by Mario. It is the third single from his second studio album Turning Point. The single was released on May 2005. It was produced by Drama Family Ent. and Ron "Neff-U" Feemster. The single debuted on the UK Singles Chart at number 11...
" failed to peak in the Billboard Hot 100Billboard Hot 100The Billboard Hot 100 is the United States music industry standard singles popularity chart issued weekly by Billboard magazine. Chart rankings are based on radio play and sales; the tracking-week for sales begins on Monday and ends on Sunday, while the radio play tracking-week runs from Wednesday...
but reached #9 in Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songsHot R&B/Hip-Hop SongsHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, is a chart released weekly by Billboard in the United States.The chart, initiated in 1942, is used to track the success of popular music songs in urban, or primarily African American, venues. Dominated over the years at various times by jazz, rhythm and blues, doo-wop, soul,...
. Worldwide the single was a success, in UK it reached #11, #15 in Australia and #16 in Ireland. - The fourth and final single, "BoomBoom (Mario song)"Boom" is an R&B single by Mario featuring Juvenile. It is the fourth and final single from his second studio album Turning Point. The single was released on October 3, 2005. The song it was produced by Lil Jon and written by Lamarquis Jefferson, Lil Jon, Johnta Austin, Craig Love and Juvenile...
" was his lowest charting song to date peaking only #23 at Rhythmic Top 40.
Track listing
DualDisc bonus tracks- "Entire Album in Enhanced Stereo"
- "Let Me Love You" & "How Could You" (music videos)
- "Sessions @ AOL Special Live Performances: Let Me Love You & How Could You
- "Photo Gallery"
Personal and credits
- Executive Producers: Troy Patterson For 3rd Street Music & Peter Edge
- A&RA&RArtists and repertoire is the division of a record label that is responsible for talent scouting and overseeing the artistic development of recording artists. It also acts as a liaison between artists and the record label.- Finding talent :...
:Larry Jackson - A&R For 3RD Street Music: Troy Patterson
- Project Coordinator: Amir Salam
- PhotographyPhotographyPhotography is the art, science and practice of creating durable images by recording light or other electromagnetic radiation, either electronically by means of an image sensor or chemically by means of a light-sensitive material such as photographic film...
: Marc Baptiste - StylistWardrobe stylistA wardrobe stylist is the job title of someone who selects the clothing for published editorial features, print or television advertising campaigns, music videos, concert performances, and any public appearances made by celebrities, models or other public figures...
:June Ambrose - MixingAudio mixing (recorded music)In audio recording, audio mixing is the process by which multiple recorded sounds are combined into one or more channels, most commonly two-channel stereo. In the process, the source signals' level, frequency content, dynamics, and panoramic position are manipulated and effects such as reverb may...
: Manny Marroquin, Serban Ghenea, AllStar, Dave Russell, Kamel Abdo & John Frye - Mastering: Herb Powers
- Assintant: Tim Roberts, Warren Bletcher, Jaymz Hardy Martin III & Kev Mahoney
- EditingEditingEditing is the process of selecting and preparing written, visual, audible, and film media used to convey information through the processes of correction, condensation, organization, and other modifications performed with an intention of producing a correct, consistent, accurate, and complete...
: Dave Russell & Dabling Harward - Digital Editing: Jaymz Hardy Martin III & Franky "Vegas" Romano
- TrackingTrackingTracking can refer to:*Tracking , separating children into different classes according to their academic ability*Tracking, in computer graphics, a vital part of match moving...
: Frank Sutton - ArtworkCover artCover art is the illustration or photograph on the outside of a published product such as a book , magazine, comic book, video game , DVD, CD, videotape, or music album. The art has a primarily commercial function, i.e...
:Chris LeBeau - Production Coordination: Delvida Flaherty
- Vocals: Mario
- EngineerEngineerAn engineer is a professional practitioner of engineering, concerned with applying scientific knowledge, mathematics and ingenuity to develop solutions for technical problems. Engineers design materials, structures, machines and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality,...
: James H. Smith, Angelo Quaglia, Dave Russell, Kamel Abdo, Carvin "Ransum" Haggins, Conrad Golding, Dabling Harward, Chris CarmoucheChris CarmoucheChris Carmouche , known as "Mouche" is a producer, recording engineer and rapper. In 2004, Carmouche won a Grammy for his work on Outkast's Speakerboxxx/The Love Below.-Early life:...
, Big Tank, Frank Sutton, Kameron Houff, John Frye & Bob Horn - Vocal Producer: James H. Smith, Troy Patterson, Johnta Austin, Carvin "Ransum" Haggins, Pun Nio, Phillip "Taj" Jackson
- Guitar: Frank Romano, Mike Tyler, Craig Love, Reggie Hamilton & Bob Horn
- Vocal Engineer: Mike "Hitman" Wilson, Kamel Abdo & Steve Fisher
- Vocals (Background): Eric Dawkins, James "Hal" Smith & Charles "CJ" Hilton, Jr
- Vocal Arrangement: Sean Garrett
- Programming: Ivan "Orthodox" Barias, Big Tank
- InstrumentationInstrumentation (music)In music, instrumentation refers to the particular combination of musical instruments employed in a composition, and to the properties of those instruments individually...
: Ron Feemstar - Bass: Dwayne Moore, Reggie Hamilton, Bob Horn & LaMarquis Mark Jefferson
- Keyboards: Johnnie "Smurf" Smith & Joel Campbell
Locations and studios
Recording locations and studios included:- Ameraycan Recording Studio, North Hollywood, CA
- Heads Up Recording, NJ
- Home Cookin' Studios, Philadelphia, PA
- Quad Studios, Nashville, TN
- Sony Studios, New York, NY
- Soundvilla Studios, Miami Beach, FL
- Stankonia Recording, Atlanta, GA
- The Inferno Recording Studio, LA, CA
- The Underlab, LA, CA
Charts and certifications
| Chart (2005) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| Australian ARIA Albums Chart ARIA Charts The ARIA charts are the main Australian music sales charts, issued weekly by the Australian Recording Industry Association. The charts are a record of the highest selling singles and albums in various genres in Australia. ARIA commenced compiling its own charts in-house from the week ending 26 June... |
17 |
| Austrian Albums Chart | 33 |
| Belgian Albums Charts (Flanders Flanders Flanders is the community of the Flemings but also one of the institutions in Belgium, and a geographical region located in parts of present-day Belgium, France and the Netherlands. "Flanders" can also refer to the northern part of Belgium that contains Brussels, Bruges, Ghent and Antwerp... ) |
10 |
| Belgian Albums Charts (Wallonia) | 42 |
| Danish Albums Chart | 25 |
| Dutch Albums Chart | 6 |
| European Top 100 Albums European Top 100 Albums The European Top 100 Albums chart is the European adaptation of the Billboard 200 albums chart. It was created in March 1984.The European Top 100 Albums, commonly referred to as Eurochart Top 100 Albums shows the sales of an act in 19 European countries based on IFPI data.The European Top 100... |
14 |
| French Albums Chart Syndicat National de l'Edition Phonographique The Syndicat national de l'édition phonographique is the inter-professional organization which protects the interests of the French record industry... |
42 |
| German Albums Chart Media Control Charts The official music charts in Germany are gathered and published by the company Media Control GfK International on behalf of Bundesverband Musikindustrie... |
13 |
| Irish Albums Chart Irish Albums Chart The Irish Albums Chart is the Irish music industry standard albums popularity chart issued weekly by the Irish Recorded Music Association and compiled on its behalf by Chart-Track. Chart rankings are based on sales, which are compiled through over-the-counter retail data captured electronically... |
62 |
| Italian Albums Chart | 25 |
| New Zealand RIANZ Albums Chart Recording Industry Association of New Zealand The Recording Industry Association of New Zealand is a non-profit trade association of record producers, distributors and recording artists who sell music in New Zealand... |
22 |
| Swiss Albums Chart Swiss Music Charts The Swiss Music Charts are Switzerland's main music sales charts. The charts are a record of the highest-selling singles and albums in various genres in Switzerland.The Swiss Charts include:* Singles Top 75... |
13 |
| UK Albums Chart UK Albums Chart The UK Albums Chart is a list of albums ranked by physical and digital sales in the United Kingdom. It is compiled every week by The Official Charts Company and broadcast on a Sunday on BBC Radio 1 , and published in Music Week magazine and on the OCC website .To qualify for the UK albums chart... |
8 |
| U.S. Billboard 200 Billboard 200 The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists... |
13 |
| U.S. Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums is a chart published by Billboard magazine that ranks R&B and hip hop albums based on sales compiled by Nielsen SoundScan. The name of the chart was changed from Top R&B Albums in 1999... |
2 |
| Territory | Certifier | Certification | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | RIAA Recording Industry Association of America The Recording Industry Association of America is a trade organization that represents the recording industry distributors in the United States... |
Platinum | 1.2 million+ |
| United Kingdom | BPI British Phonographic Industry The British Phonographic Industry is the British record industry's trade association.-Structure:Its membership comprises hundreds of music companies including all four "major" record companies , associate members such as manufacturers and distributors, and hundreds of independent music companies... |
Gold | 100,000+ |
| Worldwide | IFPI | 2x Platinum | 2 million+ |
Release history
| Region | Date | Label | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | December 7, 2004 | J Records J Records J Records was an American record label, owned and operated by Sony Music Entertainment, and was distributed through the RCA Music Group.-Company history:... |
CD release, digital download Music download A music download is the transferral of music from an Internet-facing computer or website to a user's local computer. This term encompasses both legal downloads and downloads of copyright material without permission or payment... |
| Japan | February 28, 2005 | BMG Japan | |
| United Kingdom | March 7, 2005 | J Records | |
| Australia | March 14, 2005 | J Records | |
| Germany | April 4, 2005 | J Records |