Based On A True Story

Preaching about religion is a favoured tactic of contemporary R’n’B groups. Fans say that it’s simply a case of the artist putting forward their love of God. Cynics argue that it fills up the lyric sheet nicely.

Whatever the truth, the first two tracks on Lil’ Mo’s debut album leave no doubt about where the singer stands on the issue. Apparently, Lil’ Mo has been "touched by God". She has news for us lucky listeners too. As the artist sings, "in each and everybody, there is a Lil’ Mo". Well, praise the Lord for that.

If you can get over the predominantly awful lines, Lil’ Mo possesses the vocal range to rival the mighty-lunged Christina Aguilera, while also bringing verve and sass to the table.

Unlike Aguilera, she does have the capacity for restraint. Although ‘Player Not The Game’ comes across as overblown, her version of Cyndi Lauper’s ‘Time After Time’ is tender and touching,

Some of the best tunes here are the funkiest. ‘Gangsta’ borrows the riff from Snoop Doggy Dogg’s ‘Gin And Juice’, blending it with a natty tune and heaps of streetwise vocal attitude. Likewise, ‘Superwoman Part 2’s sparse vibey beats and chilled rapping (from guest star Fabolous) complement Lil’ Mo’s soulful voice to super-smooth effect.

Not all of the fifteen tracks serve the artist’s voice so well. While the production is uniformly good, pallid tunes like ‘How Many Times’ and ‘2Moro’ cannot be salvaged by digital flourishes and Lil’ Mo’s big, big voice.

Still, lyrics aside, Based On A True Story showcases stacks of potential.