Music producers transitioning to a solo album is common in the music industry. For this week’s Second Listen Sunday, I want to revisit Sean Garrett’s solo debut, “Turbo 919,” released in 2008.
Sean “The Pen” Garrett was already a household name among music insiders, with a résumé that read like a chart history: Usher’s “Yeah!”, Destiny’s Child’s “Lose My Breath”, Jamie Foxx’s “DJ Play a Love Song” demonstrated that hit-making ability ran through Sean “The Pen” Garrett’s DNA.
“What You Doin’ With That” opens the album with a jolt. It unfolds like a fever dream, leaving listeners disoriented and moody before pulling them into a dark groove packed with synth sounds. The initial eerie vibe transforms into an energizing electronic jam featuring captivating melodies over striking beats. This track serves as an ideal showcase of Turbo 919’s unconventional vigor.
Garrett doesn’t just stick to one lane. He demonstrates versatility by seamlessly transitioning between high-energy club hits and emotional slow songs, establishing his reputation as the preferred artist for foremost R&B industry leaders. The duet “Come On In” between Garrett and Akon delivers sentimental smoothness, creating a mellow Donell Jones-like atmosphere filled with heartfelt intimacy and nostalgia.
Fans looking for stronger beats will find their perfect match in the lead single “Grippin’,” which features Ludacris and delivers boldness and rhythm. This track demonstrates a superior approach to crafting magnetic, mellow sounds. Though his vocals aren’t powerhouse, Garett uses his soft and whiny tone to his advantage against the album cover’s rugged design.
Thankfully, “Turbo 919” isn’t just soft-focus crooning. The track “Why” presents aggressive guitar solos that approach rock genre characteristics, whereas “One Day” delivers traditional ballad elements with rich harmonies that evoke nighttime feelings.
Musical fans seeking relaxed yet brilliant tunes will find that “Lay Up Under Me” delivers a cool mid-tempo vibe. “On The Hood” offers a cinematic and dreamlike quality, while “Patron” successfully combines breezy tones with bittersweet elements to create a lasting love and longing anthem.
Despite its commercial obscurity, Garrett’s debut album showcases bold ambition and melodic richness, positioning him among successful songwriters who became artists like The Dream and Ne-Yo.
Final Grade: B
“Turbo 919” is available on all streaming platforms.
If you were to ask most music fans about the R&B song “Fortunate”, they would say the name Maxwell. However, in 2001, another singer named Lathun released a Neo-Soul version of the same title, which serves as this week’s pick for Slow Jam Saturday.
Musician Kem and his sophomore project “Album II” is this week’s pick for Second Listen Sunday. Arriving in stores on May 17th, 2005, the album came when R&B was still shifting. For the most part, younger singers dominated the market, while older crooners like Anthony Hamilton and Brian McKnight were forced to the Urban A/C demographic.
I’ve been a son for forty-three years, and with Mother’s Day tomorrow, I wanted to pick a song for this week’s Slow Jam Saturday that pays homage to moms. So many women have played a part in my life’s journey, whether it was a grandmother, an aunt, a friend’s mom, or even a boss.