The Rebirth

''The Rebirth'' (originally titled ''Underground Love'') is the third studio album by American R&B singer Bobby V, who had recorded his first two albums under the name Bobby Valentino. It was released on February 10, 2009. The album was V's first to be released through his record label Blu Kolla Dreams, and debuted at number seven on the U.S. ''Billboard'' 200, selling 64,000 copies in its first week. The first single, "Beep", reached No. 55 on the ''Billboard'' Hot 100 and No. 6 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart. The second single, "Hands on Me", reached number 56.

Concept

After V's sophomore disc, '' Special Occasion'', was scarcely supported by his soon-to-be-former label, it was clearly time to re-envision his career. The introspection and soul-searching resulted in ''The Rebirth''. Alongside producers Los Da Mystro, Raphael Saadiq, Big Fruit and long-time collaborators Tim & Bob, the album, which revolves around relationships, offers a mature effort that will both please loyal fans and win over fickle critics. The album's lead single, "Beep" featuring Yung Joc, was released via iTunes on October 7, 2008, and details the joys of adventurous sex. Bobby notes,

Bobby was especially honored to work with Raphael Saadiq, who produced "Just Me & You" for the project, which covers Saadiq's 1991 hit "Just Me and You". Bobby beams:

Tim & Bob crafted "3 Is the New 2," a Jodeci-tinged joint playing on the phrase "30 is the new 20." On working with the duo Bobby explains:

Additional tracks include "Hands on Me," about a desperate attempt to remain faithful despite a very tempting dalliance, the mid-tempo ballad "Butterfly Tattoo," which evokes '80s Prince, complete with synthesized accents and an electric guitar solo, and the ballad "Give Me Your Heart," on which Bobby takes listeners to church with divine chords and an evangelical falsetto.

''The Rebirth'' also marks V's production debut with the track "Make You Say," inspired by the hook he wrote and sings on Lil Wayne's hit "Mrs. Officer."

Critical reception

AllMusic editor Anthony Tognazzini found that ''The Rebirth'' "offers up another dose of svelte, contemporary R&B ..V. worked with producers Tim & Bob and Carlos McKinney on this set, keeping things up to date with the polished and sleekly digitized sound common in 21st-century R&B. He delivers on bedroom ballads and mid-tempo jams, both of which he carries off with suave, sexy vocal assurance. ''The Rebirth'' is in the same mold as Valentino’s first two releases, but fans of those albums will find plenty to savor here." ''The San Diego Union-Tribune'' remarked that "most of the tracks keep a slow-paced tempo, as Valentino strides successfully on most of them.

In a mixed review, L. Michael Gipson from ''SoulTracks'' wrote: "Never consistent with tunes designed for young urban radio, Valentino’s team clearly believes lyrical repetition is the key to good songcraft and nasal auto-tuned vocals, iconic singing. Still, there are hits to be had here." Meka Udoh from ''HipHopDX'' found that "while ''The Rebirth'' has its moments, Valentino’s sub-par pen game is what proves to be his greatest downfall, turning otherwise notable singles into quickly forgotten stanzas. Perhaps if paired with gifted songwriters Bobby could push over the tipping point and into superstardom, but it unfortunately won’t happen with this album." ''Entertainment Weekly'' gave ''The Rebirth'' a C– rating.

Chart performance

''The Rebirth'' debuted at number seven on the US ''Billboard'' 200 in the week of February 18, 2019, selling 64,000 copies in its first week. It also debuted at number one on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, becoming Valentino's third consecutive album to do so. ''Billboard'' ranked the album 46th on its Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums Year-End 2009 chart.

Track listing

Charts

Weekly charts

Year-end charts

Release history

References

{{DEFAULTSORT:Rebirth, The
2009 albums
Albums produced by Tim & Bob
Bobby V albums