Artist: Omarion
Album: Ollusion
Release Date: 1.12.10

Despite the title, there’s nothing beneath the surface of Omarion’s third solo album Ollusion: no hidden tricks or new sounds experimented with here. The only thing different is an increase in raunchy sex-driven lyrics, as evidenced by his first ever Parental Advisory warning label. The entire project lacks a central theme, which is probably the reason for its collage of content and absence of direction. On a content-level, there’s barely anything here that the listener can connect with, which would be somewhat acceptable if he was still in his teenybopper boy band days. But with counterparts like Chris Brown and Trey Songz taking the lead in R&B, this disappointing album puts Omarion far behind in the race to be Number 1.

In keeping with his predictable history of single releases, the first single I Get It In is a percussive street-dance anthem featuring hip-hop’s new go-to guy Gucci Mane. The followup single, Hoodie, attempts to follow a similar format but just isn’t remotely impressive as a song attempting to re-birth a fashion trend – give it up O.  “When I put you on the copy machine your body printed out just right”, he croons on Last Night (Kinkos), a lackluster tale of adventurous sex on a Kinko’s copy machine – the song’s okay, the lyrics don’t illustrate the story too well though. He makes up for it on the steamy Wet, with promises of moistening the nether regions of the Ms. Copy-Girl. That track is followed up with the equally bold I Think My Girl Is Bi, which is one of the better tracks on the album (which really isn’t saying much) and finds Omarion replaying factors in his mind that cause him to question not only her sexuality, but also her fidelity – mediocre lyrics yet again, dope beat. The album’s best offering is the latest single Speedin’, a strong power ballad with an incredible guitar line and a great vocal performance from Omarion – definitely one of his best to date.

While this album pushes the envelope on shock value, it leaves much to be desired in delivery and quality. At this point in his career, Omarion should be making more personal and mature music, yet he seems stuck in the era of his teenage years while the rest of the music industry and its trends have long since moved on. A major downfall I see is the lack of lyrical flow with this project. Most of the songs lack the poetic feel and flow that connects the audience. Ollusion is a project that lacks a central focus and sense of direction, leaving the listener confused and worse, completely unmoved. With the exception of Speedin’, Ollusion offers nothing memorable beyond its ability to highlight Omarion’s stunted growth and failure to launch.

Sound-Savvy officially rates Ollusion with 2 out of 5 platinum headphones

• » Album Review: Eminem - Relapse
• » Album Review: Chris Brown - Graffiti
• » Album Review: Young Money - We Are Young Money
• » Album Review: Letoya Luckett - Lady Love
• » Tha Carter - 3Peat?