Nothin’ but young ambition

There is nothing unadventurous about B.o.B’s debut album, “B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray.” In fact, quite the opposite is true. “Adventures” impresses as an ambitious freshman effort, drawing influences from many different modern schools to create its alternative hip-hop sound.

Unfortunately, its diversity can sometimes be its downfall. Too many of the tracks seem half-baked, relying on a continual catchy hook or the novelty of something different to make an impression (see: “Nothin’ On You”).

Tracks like “Don’t Let Me Fall” and “The Kids” showcase impressive lyricism and flow from B.o.B; however, this kind of quality is inconsistent over the course of the album.

The bottom line, unfortunately, is that “Adventures” can be rather boring. It sounds like a commercially re-glossed Kid Cudi effort. B.o.B’s willingness and insistence, even, to think outside the hip-hop box needs to be applauded, but the tracks need refinement: there are few “moments,” and many sound cyclic.

The album is extremely enjoyable for a mainstream debut, but as an attempt to further hip-hop, it falls short. Crossover success is an admirable goal, but do emo melodrama with Paramore, a Vampire Weekend sample and a misguided Rivers Cuomo guest spot make a musical connoisseur? For right now, insert skepticism here.