A collection of tracks from Lil' Romeo's Nickelodeon television series, Romeo! is an unambitious but satisfying release that benefits from some of the slickest productions from the house of No Limit. While his father -- Master P -- diminishes his impact with too many high profile, ambitious, but ultimately empty releases, Romeo and his handlers always give the people -- teen people in this case -- what they want while slowly developing the artist. The infectious "Romeo! Show Theme," "I Like That," and "Party" are simple, inspired, and safe tracks pumped-up by Romeo's enthusiasm and charm. On the other hand, the loopy "Dime Pieces" and the old-school, jump-rope jam "Don't Play Games" display more of desire to try something different and keep the collection from feeling like a quick buck cash-in. The closing "Soldiers" isn't the usual boasting about No Limit Soldiers but a patriotic tribute to the men and women of the U.S. Army that's heartfelt and sweet with getting sugary. Although the album is short -- clocking in under forty-minutes -- everything is edited together tightly, creating a whirlwind of teen swagger and pleasing beats, most of the latter supplied by the very busy Myke Diesel and No Limit up-and-comer Drumma Boy who has a love for tight loops with lush strings. Drumma's big score is "On My Way" but just like his nearly as good "Ride," it's a horribly short number that will hopefully show up again stretched-out (Romeoland's "Bobblehead" shows up again here slightly edited, so anything's possible). Although Romeo! may just be placeholder product, it surprises in places, pleases the whole way through, and shows more growth for No Limit's talented little soldier.
© David Jeffries /TiVo