Ranking the Best Mario Albums

Sooooo, I guess y’all saw that Verzuz, huh?

I had planned to rank both Mario and Omarion’s discographies before the big event but real life had me in a cobra clutch so I couldn’t finish in time.

That’s cool because real life did enough beating up on Mario and Omarion during that Verzuz. Lord, what a disaster.

But let’s not dwell on the memes and slander. In case y’all forgot, Mario reminded the world last week that he is indeed a premier R&B artist with an overlooked catalog and quality vocals. Let’s look back at that discography right now, ranking them from bottom to top. As always, we’re skipping compilations and EPs – just the LPs for today.

Jokes aside, Mario plays no games in that booth.

5. Dancing Shadows (2018)

Soul in Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Edd said: After a nearly 10 year absence, Mario returned with Dancing Shadows to a much different R&B scene than the one he left. And like pretty much every single singer in the modern era, that means Mario had to take a trip to the Valley of the Vibez. Y’all know the story – lots of moody production and unnecessary vocal effects. That said, it’s not a horrible release – a few tracks near the album’s end help pull the nose of this plane up – but overall the sound just isn’t the best fit for him.

Forgotten favorites: “Too Many Options,” “Care for You”

4. DNA (2009)

Soul in Stereo rating: 3.5 stars out of 5

Edd said: Like Dancing Shadows, DNA presents a different sound for the homie – very synthy and electronic – which again reflected the wave at the time. The tracks are all well-sung (Mario never slacks in the booth) but outside of the singles it feels pretty generic. Shout out to “Thinkin Bout You,” though – it’s still Mario’s most underrated song. Y’all slept.

Forgotten favorites: “Thinkin Bout You,” “I Miss My Friend,” “I Choose You”

3. Mario (2002)

Soul in Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: It’s wild that Mario’s debut turns 20 years old next month. Lord, I’m old. Speaking of age, a fresh-faced Mario was just 15 years old when this dropped, yet his vocals surpass most of what is celebrated on radio today. The tracks are pretty wholesome as well – it’s refreshing to hear songs about a teenager asking a girl to the movies instead of begging for nudes on IG.  Though his voice and content hadn’t matured yet, Mario’s debut was bursting with potential, thanks to strong production from the Underdogs, Warryn Campbell and even Alicia Keys and, of course, his God-given talent. A great first impression.

Forgotten favorites: “What your Name Is,” “2 Train,” “Chick Wit Da Braids”

2. Turning Point (2004)

Soul in Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: I can’t think of a better name for Mario’s sophomore set than Turning Point. Mario effortlessly transitions from his teenybopper debut to an edgier sound that still maintains a bit of innocence. Simply put, this album is the personification of BET’s 106 & Park era. Obviously, “Let me Love You” is this album’s crowning moment and may always be his greatest achievement, but this set is much more than one song. Mario’s penchant to experiment with different subgenres means the album’s overall sound isn’t always consistent, but Turning Point was the dash of maturity that Mario needed.

Forgotten favorites: “Like Me Real Hard,” “Nikes Fresh out the Box,” “Directions”

1. Go (2007)

Soul in Stereo rating: 4 stars out of 5

Edd said: Go is the best Mario album no one remembers. The gentle “How Do I Breathe” is the album’s most well-know offering but trust, Go is way more raucous than that one track. In my eyes, it’s the best reflection of Mario’s skillset – gentle slow jams, aggressive hip-hop-inspired cuts, and insanely catchy mid-tempo numbers, featuring some of his best vocal performances to date. He even did King Keef Sweat’s “Right And A Wrong Way” justice and y’all know that’s high praise coming from me. Go might not be Mario’s most memorable LP but he was at the top of his game here.

Forgotten favorites: “Go,” “Why,” “Do Right”

What’s your favorite Mario album and moment (that doesn’t involved that raggedy Verzuz)? Let us know below.