Utterly Superb

I'll admit that I slept on B.o.B.'s debut album - but haven't a number of people? Sure it debuted at #1, but let's not forget it did so with only 84,000. It's had it share of hits - big hits - and I think if it isn't this album, B.o.B. may eventually get the same notoriety that other rap acts received this year (yes Eminem, Drake, and Rick Ross specifically). Simply put, B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray [Explicit] is a conceptual and creative tour de force. This is not one objectionable cut and this is clearly one of the year's best releases with no regard to genre. Those who are still "sleeping" should "wake up" and support this talented artist.

"Don't Let Me Fall" marks the first indication that 'The Adventures of Bobby Ray' is NOT your typical rap album. The production sounds nothing like the typical rap cut boding of production work including strummed acoustic guitar, electric guitar, and piano. A clever, sung hook ("Well it was just a dream, just a moment ago, I was up so high looking down at the sky, don't let me fall /I was shooting for stars on a Saturday night, they say what goes up must come down, but don't let me fall... don't let me fall... ") solidifies the superb nature of this cut. Former #1 hit "Nothin' On You featuring Bruno Mars is "pop-perfection" realized with great songwriting, lovely pop vocals from Mars (destined to be a star), and sensible, tasteful production work. "Past My Shades" continues the momentum, even if it fails to trump "Don't Let Me Fall" or "Nothin' On You."

"Airplanes" featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore is an ingenious conception, merging the best of rock with the best of hip-hop. Williams sounds perfect on her part and B.o.B.'s rhymes are well constructed. "Airplanes" missed #1 just by a smidgen. "Bet I" featuring T.I. and Playboy Tre is equally sound, smartly opting for southern hip-hop production. "Bet I" is an easy favorite, even if it was a much less commercial choice of single than "Airplanes" or recent single "Magic."

"Ghost in the Machine" channels "intellectual" rap, in the vain of Drake or Kid Cudi with above par results. On "The Kids," B.o.B. smartly lifts from indie hipsters Vampire Weekend and adds a talented Janelle Monáe to the mix to make one of the album's most brilliant features. "Magic," featuring Rivers Cuomo adds unlikely collaborator Dr. Luke to the mix which makes this track another enjoyable cut. Sure, a full album of Dr. Luke would've turned B.o.B. into Ke$ha (eww...), but in small amounts, it can liven up the album.

"Fame" is a solo cut, again putting B.o.B. over top a more hip-hop based backdrop. "Lovelier Than You" finds more odd production work and influences, with Bobby Ray supported by strummed guitar and world-percussion leaning drum programming. Vocally, B.o.B. as a singer sounds good here. "5th Dimension" adds Fantasia's brother Ricco Barrino to channel Marvin Gaye (he does well) on this Marvin Gaye-sampling cut ("Makes Me Wanna Holler"). Finally, a remix of "Airplanes" adds a guess spot from ubiquitous rapper Eminem to close the album on a high note.

Essentially, 'B.o.B. Presents The Adventures of Bobby Ray' is an album you want regret buying. It is one of the best of 2010 by all means and it transcends hip-hop providing crossover opportunities. More artists should be brave like B.o.B. in an age when everything seems to be about conformity. This album receives my seal of approval. 4 stars.

Best Debut Album Since Man on the Moon

First off, I just want to say that I've been listening to B.o.B since 07 when he was with Klinic. His music was provacative and displayed a real enthusiastic vibe. When I listened to this album I didn't get that constant vibe, but instead I got this real laid back feeling which made me enjoy his music even more. Although their are a couple of upbeat songs on this album (which are great) this album is mainly a laid back easy listening piece (kind of like like Kid Cudi). While I miss the old B.o.B I still enjoy his work and looking forward to the day when he goes on tour and stops in Nashville. I'd definitely recommend him to anyone who likes "real" lyrically focused music that sends a message.

BoB

I have never paid this much money for one song. Actually two. Both airplane songs are amazing. Tremendous songs. But the rest of the songs are boo boo.

Strong First Effort

Had I paid attention to a friend of mine, I would have been helping promote BoB's record pre-release instead of submitting an Amazon review 6 months later. This record is incredibly strong and the best songs happen to be the ones that will more than likely never hit your radio dial. That being said, the raido cuts are still well done and enjoyable without feeling overly "pop". Do you enjoy intelligent thought and refreshing lyrics from a true artist put together into a full and complete album? If you answered yes then pick up this album with no hesitation or doubt.

A Rising Star

I find this CD to be amazing! Bobby Ray is a young star whose lyrics have a lot of depth and meaning and his music covers many different genres. As a music enthusiast of all different genres, I totally love this CD. My 20-year old son was surprised that I would embrace the music of such a young star. It's all about the lyrics and the music. P.S. I bought the clean version. I don't have a clue about the other, however, my advice to B.O.B. is that there is no need to have explicit lyrics; it does not make him a more "grown-up" person.