I still remember the first time I heard "Ugly," Bubba Sparxxx's debut single, on the radio a few years ago. I had no idea Bubba was a white dude until I saw the video a few days after that. That being said, this is not to be confused as a black or white thing. As Jadakiss said on the track he did with Bubba from a Ruff Ryders compilation, "Don't get the plot wrong/this aint a black or white politic thing."
After Dark Days, Bright Nights and Deliverance there was most definitely signs of maturity, "I have shown growth though/and that is essential." This album does not however follow that trend. But keep in mind Bubba left Timbaland's Beat Club and signed to Purple Ribbon Entertainment with Big Boi of Outkast fame. So, we can call this his transition album, much in the same way professional athletic teams have transition years and rebuild. I believe Bubba too will rebuild and come back stronger. As far as `Charm' is concerned, I will state emphatically the album is an acquired taste. The first time I slid the disc in I was sort of turned off and immediately seeked to the track "The Otherside" featuring Petey Pablo and Sleepy Brown. Clearly the albums standout cut. One of the few tracks Bubba displays the same passion he possessed on previous collaborations and albums. I then decided to give the album a second run and still was somewhat disappointed from the seemingly tepid aura I was getting from the album. However, as a day or so passed, I found myself singing along with the melody in my head at the most random times. "Claremount Lounge" featuring Killer Mike and Cool Breeze for example has a soothing melodic beat and a catchy hook but does lack the depth and hunger that I have come to expect from Mr. Mathis. "As the Rim Spins" follows in much of the same vein but does contain a few quoteables, "the truth aint dead/I'm so alive." "That Man" finds Bubba once again rapping along with Sleepy Brown and a revived Duddy Ken and provides a glimpse of that Bubba of old where every line found him commanding respect. "Ain't Life Grand" featuring Scar is also a standout cut where Bubba provides us with the insightful yet clever delivery with just a touch of country twang that made him such a fresh alternative to the monotony that is rap. "Run Away" featuring Frankie J feels like the sequel to "She Tried" from Deliverance and is a welcome addition. Ms. New Booty, which will probably get the most airplay, however is TRITE and predictable. I am hesitant to say Bubba sold out to sell records, although that was my first thought. The Colli Park production all sounds the same, but, is moving units right now and one can not be mad Bubba wants to eat. If skills sold, Bubba would be at the top of Billboard, but, the masses want tracks like Ms. New Booty. In other words, do not judge Bubba by the single, but, go back and listen. The Bubba I have come to know and love appears in glimpses, but, still has more to offer than most purchases available and provides enough to keep me waiting for the next episode.
Transition Year-third time is NOT the CHARM
Not a bad album....
