Chris Brown, 'Graffiti'

Release date: Dec. 8, 2009
Record label: Jive
Official Web site: http://www.chrisbrownworld.com/

The buzz: This third album from multiplatinum-selling R&B artist Chris Brown is his first to be released since he plead guilty to felony assault on his former girlfriend, pop star Rihanna. The court of public opinion has also convicted him, but perhaps not for life: the first single from “Graffiti” reached No. 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

The verdict: “Graffiti” is a mixed bag of styles and sentiments. Brown talks about feeling the weight of the world on “Fallin Down,” sacrificing for love on “I’ll Go” and redeeming that love on “Crawl.” These moments are much more heartfelt, believable and almost endearing than when he’s doing the opposite: Bragging about his heartbreaking capabilities on “Famous Girl” or his sexual prowess on “Take My Time.” He's dramatically upstaged on the latter by the more mature tone of guest Tank, a sonic reminder that Brown's still growing.

Did you know? The font and photo style on the cover of “Graffiti”—and even the title—are not-so-veiled references to Prince, while the back cover is evocative of Michael Jackson. The two legends are among Brown’s top musical heroes.