“They call me Jesse baby.” From boy band to solo artist, a hit television series, writing for other up and coming musicians and later, returning to his music. Who would’ve thought that it would take Jesse McCartney two years to work on his new album? Well, he’s 21 now, no longer a teenage idol, serenading tweens and teens with hit songs such as “Beautiful Soul” and “Right Where You Want Me.” In his latest Hollywood Records album “Departure,” Jesse sets aside his guitar and heads straight for an R&B sound. 

McCartney begins his album with his latest single, “Leavin’.” This is a good spoiler for fans. They can get a feel for the type of music to come as well as learn that he’s “leaving” the type of music he has done in the past and is experimenting with a new and different sound.

Jesse’s sound is a combination of Usher and Justin Timberlake. Songs like “How Do you Sleep?,” “Into Ya,” and “It’s Over” are too close to Usher’s sound. “It’s Over” is reminiscent of Usher’s “Confessions Part II,” only Jesse most likely didn’t have an affair with another woman.

With computer generated beats, synthesized melodies, and several drum beats, Jesse “rocks you” with this album. Songs to look out for are “Rock You” (feat Sean Garrett), “Makeup”, and “Freaky.” They’re probably the catchiest songs on the album, but have quite silly lyrics. In “Makeup,” he’s referring to a girl who is seemingly beautiful and looks “good without makeup.” Jesse’s been entranced by this girl by her looks, but hopefully is able to look through her looks.

“Rock You” is an impressive effort into moving into a hip hop-rap feel. The song opens with an old school – Rev. Run sound and later moves into a modern day rap feel with his slow, monotone chorus where he repeats “I’m gonna rock you.”

Throughout the entire album, McCartney continues his catchy techno-drum combo sound continuing, but leaves the listener with a surprise at the end. A beautiful, ingenious ballad which proves Jesse is not just any singer. In “Not Your Enemy” McCartney lovingly begs to a lover to stop comparing him to past boyfriends. He promises his special girl that he is “not like the others.” A great shock and a pleasant surprise, McCartney knows how to impress fans of all ages.

The album was a great experiment for Jesse McCartney. He will most certainly shed his past image and provide new light as a new man. Personally, I’d prefer to see the old Jesse. I enjoyed the musical range in the past albums. This album is just a constant streaming of the R&B – Justin wannabe sound.

Name: "Departure"
Label: Hollywood
Release Date: May 20, 2008
My rating: 3.8 out of 5

Jennifer Blagg is a staff writer at Musiqtone. You can contact her at jenniferblagg@musiqtone.com or fill out this feedback form below.