Lil' Mo Albums (4)
'Meet the Girl Next Door'
Release Date 4/29/2003
Tracks 16
Label Elektra
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
Containing one of 2003's sweetest and most unavoidable R&B singles in the form of "4Ever," Meet the Girl Next Door surpasses Lil' Mo's debut in a number of ways. Recorded during the eighth month of her pregnancy, her voice proves to be more rangy and versatile than it was on Based on a True Story; as a result, the up-tempo and mid-tempo cuts are on par with the ballads. Another smart move was made by having her perform all of the backing vocals, which is particularly effective on "Doing Me Wrong" and "So Lost Without You." A handful of producers, including Megahertz, Missy Elliott, Chucky Thompson, and Precision -- who co-produced another highlight, "Ain't No Reason," with Heavy D -- provide a wide array of settings for the recently wed Lil' Mo to tackle a number of subjects that revolve around devotion and hanging on to your partner, whether it involves working things out ("Ain't No Reason") or playing by a set of rules laid out with help from Lil' Kim ("Ten Commandments"). The only faults with the album? It's about four song too long, and the Peabo Bryson-sampling "Heaven" (!) is at least two minutes too short. Still, it's beyond apparent that Lil' Mo really ought to devote the bulk of her working time -- if not all of it -- to making music. ~ Andy Kellman, All Music Guide
'Based on a True Story'
Release Date 4/24/2001
Tracks 15
Label Elektra
See Album Tracklist and Review
What The Critics Say
On her long-awaited debut, Lil' Mo shows why stars like Jay-Z, Ja Rule, and Keith Sweat were so anxious to feature her on their own albums. The Big Apple rapper and singer is a protégé of Missy "Misdemeanor" Elliot, but where Elliot's game is cutting lines and cutting-edge hip-hop, Lil' Mo is a lil' more subtle, preferring to tap into her roots in old-fashioned gospel and R&B. That's not to say this album lacks the requisite up-tempo club thumpers -- "Gangsta" and "Superwoman, Pt. 2" certainly fill that bill. It's just that when things mellow out a bit, Mo really shines -- on sweet slow jams like "How Many Times," or on the stunning, bitter kiss-off, "Ta Da." Probably the best reference point for Lil' Mo's winning blend of street smarts and classic soul divaship is Mary J. Blige, and Based on a True Story suggests that Blige could have some serious competition in the years to come. ~ Dan LeRoy, All Music Guide
