Mario is a highly valued R&B artist with not only great quality vocals but a fantastic catalog of albums that fans just need to get to know. To celebrate the legacy in R&B history, we’ve put together a top 6 Mario album ranked list. Ever since his debut album, “Mario” his fame and progression as a modern artist has seen no limits. The album named after his own title reached number 9 on the Billboard 200, while Just a Friend scored number 5. With music ever-expanding, streaming, and evolving, here are a few albums that we appreciate by Mario and why they stand out to us. Along with the reasons we love to listen, we’ve included some stats as well, such as when they were released and the immediate response to the drop.
1 – Mario
This breakout album with the artist as the same name is a debut released in 2002. Producers fro the album are Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Scott Storch, and Tim & Bob. The album features multiple upbeat tracks that keep the tempo high. The individual song, Just a Friend, hit number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, solidifying this album’s place in the hearts of many.
2 – Turning Point
Turning Point truly was a turning point in Mario’s career as an artist. As an album, Turning Point brought new points to light about Mario’s capabilities, including his thematic change from generic to more personal themes in R&B. The album’s lead song, “Let Me Love You” grew into massive popularity upon release, setting Mario up to be one of the most promising rising stars at the time. The song ended up reaching the top of the Billboard Hot 100, nominating him for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. What makes Turning Point so great is that it explores Mario’s impressive range. It also takes what everyone loved about the first album and improved upon it in the second, pleasing both old and brand-new fans at the time.
3 – Go
As the third studio album in Mario’s history, Go had a lot to work up to. Not only had the previous two albums been stellar hits, but they featured a lot of producer and artist talent along the way. The album Go was released in 2007, being produced by a handful of people. These included Stargate, Timbaland, and Polow da Don.
One of the standout features of Go is the improved versatility that Mario displays throughout the album. For example, Cryin Out for Me is a mid-tempo song. It features not only a good hook but a versatile expression of Mario’s great vocal range. The song hit the crowds successfully, scoring number 33 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also reached the top 10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
4 – D.N.A.
DNA is the fourth album Mario released into the world in 2009. It takes a shift away from the work that Mario chronologically had accomplished so far, taking a more somber turn into the introspective. This was both in lyric and theme. The producers varied this time too, including names like Jim Jonsin, Bangladesh, and Rico Love.
The production skills of Jim Jonsin proved to be helpful during the creation of the album since Mario’s smooth vocals could only translate through a well-written song. The rockstar track of the album was undoubtedly Break Up, which featured Sean Garrett and Gucci Mane.
5 – Dancing Shadows
Dancing Shadows is an album that took everybody by surprise. After a little while of absence, the album Dancing Shadows represents Mario’s return to the stage and fans with a fresh take and hot new songs. By the time Mario had returned from almost ten years away, he had to come back with something that fit the current climate of R&B times. And clear that climate he did, with progression into more modern conventions, such as a moody sound and aggressive effects on vocals. The aspects of what made Mario great didn’t stop though. All 11 tracks in the album showcase his ability as not only a singer, but as a songwriter. The album also features collaborations with producers like Jake Gosling, Prince Charlez, and Pham, who help to bring a modern edge to the classic R&B sound.
6 – Never 2 Late
“Never 2 Late” is the fifth studio album by American R&B singer, Mario Barrett, released in 2014. The album features collaborations with a variety of producers and songwriters, including Polow da Don, Rico Love, and Troy Taylor.The album showcases Mario’s vocal prowess and maturity as an artist, and it features a mix of classic R&B sounds and modern production techniques.
The album’s standout tracks include “Fireball,” a catchy and upbeat song that features a driving beat and infectious hook, as well as “Fatal Distraction,” a slower ballad that showcases Mario’s emotional depth and vulnerability.Another standout track is “Somebody Else,” which features a guest appearance by Nicki Minaj and explores the theme of heartbreak and moving on from a relationship. The song’s soaring chorus and Minaj’s fiery verse combine to create a powerful and memorable track.
Overall, what makes “Never 2 Late” great is the way that it showcases Mario’s continued growth and evolution as an artist. The album finds him exploring new sounds and themes, while still staying true to the classic R&B sound that made him a fan favorite. Mario’s vocals are as strong as ever, and he brings a sense of honesty and sincerity to each track that makes the album feel personal and relatable.
Mario EP 2019
“Mario” is a self-titled EP released by American R&B singer Mario Barrett in 2019. The EP is a short, six-track project that showcases Mario’s soulful vocals and songwriting abilities.
The EP opens with the upbeat and catchy track “Drowning.” The track features a bouncy rhythm and a catchy chorus that showcases Mario’s signature falsetto. The song was released as the lead single from the EP and was well-received by fans and critics alike.
Another standout track on the EP is “Gold Plates.” It features a more stripped-down sound and highlights Mario’s smooth and emotive vocals. The song explores themes of self-love and self-acceptance, and its raw and honest lyrics add to its emotional impact.
One of the unique aspects of the EP is its mix of genres and influences. For example, the track “Goes Like That” features a Latin-inspired rhythm and showcases Mario’s ability to sing in Spanish, while “Closer” has a more electronic sound and features distorted vocals and glitchy beats.
The self-titled debut album “Mario” released in 2002 was a major label release on J Records, whereas the 2019 self-titled EP “Mario” was an independent release. Apart from the difference in their release strategies, the two albums also differ in several other aspects.
What’s the difference between Mario 2002 and Mario 2021?
In terms of their musical styles, the two albums are quite different. The 2002 album “Mario” is a more traditional R&B album with a mix of ballads and uptempo tracks that feature a lot of live instrumentation. The album was produced by a variety of well-known producers, including Scott Storch, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and Tim & Bob, and featured collaborations with artists such as Jadakiss and Ginuwine.
In contrast, the 2019 EP “Mario” is a more modern and eclectic R&B project. It incorporates elements of electronic music and hip-hop. The EP was produced by a mix of established and up-and-coming producers. These include Jack Knight and Jake Gosling, and it features a more stripped-down sound that emphasizes Mario’s vocals and songwriting.
Another difference between the two albums is their length. The 2002 album “Mario” is a full-length album that features 13 tracks. The 2019 EP “Mario” is a shorter project with only six tracks.