"My Angel (Never Leave You)" Released: October 11, 2005
Bobby Valentino is the debut studio album by American R&B singer Bobby Valentino. It was released by Def Jam South Recordings and Disturbing tha Peace on April 26, 2005. The album was primarily produced and executive produced by Tim Kelley and Bob Robinson from duo Tim & Bob, while additional production was provided by Larrance Dopson, Lamar Edwards, Gary Smith, Steve "Swift" Thornton, and Rondeau "Duke" Williams. Rapper Ludacris appears as a guest vocalist on the album.
The album earned largely polarizing reviews from critics, some of who complimented the production, while others felt that it was undistinguishable. A commercial success, it debuted at number three on the US Billboard 200 and at number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, eventually reaching Gold status, while also reaching the top five of the UK R&B Albums, also going Gold. Bobby Valentino spawned three singles, including the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs number-one and UK top five hit "Slow Down", follow-up "Tell Me", and "My Angel (Never Leave You)".
Valentino entered the music scene in 1996 as a member of the R&B youth quartetMista, at this time using his real name.[1] The new teenage group released their self-titled first record under the guisdance of production team Organized Noize. However, the album, released by EastWest Records, earned lukewarm commercial success and due to management issues, Mista split in 1997.[1] Valentino later enrolled at Clark Atlanta University majoring in mass communications. While in school, he continued to record in his free time in hopes of one day returning to the stage.[1]
In 2004, he signed as a solo artist with rapper Ludacris's Disturbing tha Peace and began work on his solo debut along with production duo Tim & Bob. In January 2005, the label inked a new long-term contract with Island Def Jam Music Group.[2] Under terms of the joint-venture agreement, Island Def Jam continued its marketing, publicity, promotion and sales support of the label's releases, while Valentino's debut was selected as the first release under the new agreement.[2] Initially titled Give Me a Chance, it was announced to be released in April 2005.[2]
Bobby Valentino earned largely polarizing reviews from critics. David Jeffries of Allmusic gave the album a positive review. He stated, "Valentino's first full-length has mystical touches in its overall slick and sexy production, touches that help separate the album from the competition in a way the everyday songwriting doesn't." Jeffries further noted: "Of course, it is a debut and, considering that, pulling a daring punch or two is forgiven. If he keeps on the path of breaking the R&B crooner rule book and really lets his inner maverick out, he will go farther than competition can even imagine."[3]Rolling Stone's Bill Werde found that "on his debut, Valentino's honeyed croon and hilarious pickup lines practically ooze all over the tracks. The beats on Valentino have just enough crunk to bring some bump-and-grind to the slow dance: The simple snare tracks, layered with soft guitar, strings and flute, lend undeniable atmosphere to Valentino's come-ons."[5]
In a negative review for Stylus Magazine Thomas Inskeep noted that "this album is nothing but a “Quick, the single’s hot!” cash-in, one which could have been far better than it is, but nearly everyone involved sounds as if they fell asleep on the job – even Ludacris, which is saying something. Valentino’s got no substance behind his pretty-boy façade, and on Disturbing Tha Peace Presents Bobby Valentino, it shows."[6] Steve Horowitz of PopMatters wrote that "Valentino has an undistinguished voice, writes hackneyed lyrics, and his instrumental backing suffers from tedious production values [...] Valentino's not very deep or affective. He may share the same last name as the charismatic silent film star, but Rudy could say more with his eyes then Bobby can sing with his whole body on an entire CD worth of material."[4]
The album debuted and peaked at number 3 on the US Billboard 200 in the week of May 14, 2005, with first-week sales of 180,000 copies.[7] It also debuted at number one on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.[8] On June 2, 2005, Bobby Valentino was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments figures in excess of 500,000 copies.[9] By April 2008, it had sold 706,000 units domestically.[10]Bobby Valentino also reached number 34 on the UK Albums Chart. On June 24, 2005, It was certified Silver by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI), followed by a Gold cerification on March 4, 2006.[11]
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