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American hip-hop artist B.o.B (Bobby Ray Simmons Jr.) has whistled stunning tunes into his fans precious ears again.
His sophomore album “Strange Clouds” was released on May 1. Those who have lent their ears to Bobby Ray before know that he is highly creative, acting as an executive producer as well as playing instruments such as the guitar, acoustic guitar and piano.
Something cautiously warns us that he handles more than just those musical instruments alone. Many people know B.o.B from his 2010 album, “B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray,” that gave us songs like “Nothin’ On You” featuring Bruno Mars, the biggest hit for Bobby Ray in the United States and in the United Kingdom.
“Airplanes” featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore remained the album’s second biggest hit.
On “B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray,” the artist had just gotten his foot in the door and appeared to be more of a mellow fellow than an in your face, this-is-what’s-going-on-in-the-world type of guy.
After his freshmen album dropped, B.o.B started working on his next album and within that two year period he changed his style to a more sophisticated sound. On this album he’s more direct and demands the listener’s attention in a way that is smooth and intellectually concealed within his recordings.
“Strange Clouds” features numerous artists; T.I., Trey Songz, Nicki Minaj, Nelly, Taylor Swift, Chris Brown, Roscoe Dash, Lil’ Wayne and Lauriana Mae. B.o.B also recruits Morgan Freeman as the narrator of the album’s introduction, a track that familiarizes listeners with the everyday beauties and struggles of life.
“Both of Us” featuring Taylor Swift, and songs “So Good,” “Circles” and “Chandelier” featuring Lauriana Mae are the album’s standout tracks.
“Just a Sign” featuring Playboy Tre is the most beautiful, hypnotizing song from B.o.B’s second album. It holds you captive in the beginning before surprisingly bursting with bass.
B.o.B gave us slight insight into how he wishes his fans to perceive “Strange Clouds” in an interview with bombonem.com where he said, “I feel like this is a refined matured album and it shows a lot of growth.”
After listening to the album in its entirety, I would tend to agree.
“Strange Clouds” is available on iTunes and in stores now.
Contact Christine Bush.


