Solo success eludes Omarion

Former B2K lead vocalist Omarion does not impress with his new solo album “Ollusion.” Not surprisingly, the album lacks any of the creativity it needs to help Omarion become a great R&B artist like Usher or Ne-Yo.

Omarion rarely takes control on “Ollusion.” He might have written and co-produced most of the album, but he isn’t a dominant presence amid all the additional sounds and overproduction. For the third album in a row he has failed to create a distinct sound that could separate him from the pack, as so few of the songs here are strong enough to be memorable whatsoever.

However, some creativity is present in a handful of songs. Terrible title aside, “I Think My Girl Is Bi” features beats and lyrics that make it stand out. The techno beats in “Wet” and the sultry quality of “Sweet Hangover” will give the listeners something to hold onto.

All in all, the album needed more work in order to be great. And by extension, so does Omarion.