Capitol
While Crooner J. Holiday’s second album may not be a rehash of his debut, it’s not a bold leap forward either. Holiday does however drop the rapper-esque posturing and collaborates with some new faces. His focus is squarely on the bedroom, but more in the vein of classic baby-makers like Al/Marvin/Isleys than his contemporary ‘street-romantics.’ He sounds more authentic here than he did on Back of My Lac’ — like someone who has nothing to prove. His songwriting is part of what makes Round 2 so appealing. He’s much more assured and it all adds up to an album that is stronger than the debut — minus the unique songs that scream “massive hit potential.” –dusty culpepper
