Jeremih | Self-Titled

Newcomer Jeremih should ask fellow R&B crooner J. Holiday how important a second single is, because outside of "Birthday Sex" his self-titled debut has very little to offer. Sure, one could understand his label wanting to capitalize on the success that it was having [currently] on the radio; but maybe if they stopped to think for a minute or two, they would realize that [sometimes] rushing an album creates more one hit wonders than it does careers.

Still, even with that being the current climate of the music industry, it's hard to find a solid album worth buying nowadays; let alone any of substance, and I guess that's the biggest problem I have with Jeremih's debut. Not only is it typical but, for it to be self-titled, it never allows the listener to get to know Jeremih for who he is. Instead, the primary focus seemed to have been elsewhere and songs like "That Body", "Runaway", and "Jumpin" are unpolished enough to prove that point.

But not all is lost, however. A few stand out tracks such as "Hatin' On Me", "Imma Star (Everywhere We Are)" and "My Ride" will be enough to milk this album for all its worth; but I doubt it will be enough to garner any interest in a follow up project from Jeremih. A more balanced effort would've certainly ensured that to be a possibility, but that "one-hit wonder" label seems to be almost a given.

Which is sad when you think about it. A lot of unsigned artists would kill to be in the position that Jeremih is in and for him to put out such a lackluster piece of work is something I just can't understand. Especially when considering this is a new artist making his respective debut! If anything, the passion, drive, and motivation should still be present; but when it's not, it really makes you wonder how complacent the music industry has become. Have ringtone sales become that much more important than album sales? Unfortunately they have and what's even more glaring is that a lot of these artists are killing their careers before they even begin. Jeremih now being one of 'em.

Rating: 5.0 headphones out of 10