Frankie J - The One (2005)

"Don't Wanna Try," a single that wound up cracking the Top 20 in 2003, is probably responsible for allowing Frankie J to bring in the likes of songwriters/producers Bryan-Michael Cox and Mario Winans, along with features from Baby Bash and Swisha House heavyweight Paul Wall, for follow-up The One. The singer continues to work closely with Happy Perez, but Cox's presence on not one but three tracks -- including "How to Deal," a clone of Usher's Cox-penned "Burn" in both sound and sentiment -- adds significant heft to his catalog. What's a Man to Do? tended to falter whenever J broke from his sweet, yearning (not whining) manner to adopt a tougher tone, but he smartly leaves that for Bash's and Wall's guest spots here. The One is a step forward in every aspect. Lead single "Obsession (No Es Amor)" shot up to the Top Ten upon release, only solidifying J's mainstream presence. ~© Andy Kellman /TiVo