Jesse McCartney's reinvention

Think back 5 years, when a cute 16-year old blondie named Jesse McCartney was the crush of every teenage girl (and gay boy). With hits such as "Beautiful Soul" and "She's No You", his fantastic debut record, also titled "Beautiful Soul", went Platinum in both the US and Australia. He toured around the world and in 2006, returned with a harder rock-pop sound on his second album "Right Where You Want Me". Although the record displayed greater artistic maturity and progression, it turned out to be somewhat of a "somophore slump", failing to even reach Gold in the US. Since then, it's all been about "High School Musical" hearthrob Zac Efron, leaving many wondering, what ever happened to Jesse?

Well he'll be 21 later this month, so it's time to prove that he's a real man. Out is the boyish hair and cool casual clothes - in is the short brown do and highly stylish outfits. The sound has changed to - dramatically. New single "Leavin" has certainly created a buzz within the online community - most of which has been positive - and has become a favourite amongst remixers. The music video has caused a bit of stir, with a topless Jesse getting close and personal with a love interest on a bed. The single has so far reached #32 on US Top 40 Mainstream radio. "Leavin'" has been digitally released in Australia and will be released physically on April 21, 2008 (no word on a track listing).

The album, approapriately titled "Departure", is said to sport an 80s urban-electro vibe. I don't think I'm far off in saying that this record will be to Jesse what "Dignity" was to label-mate Hilary Duff. The album arrives in the US on May 20. I assume, it will be out at a similar time for the rest of the world.

Track listing as confirmed by Pop Justice:
1. "Leavin'"
2. "It's Over"
3. "Rock You"
4. "How Do You Sleep"
5. "Into Ya"
6. "Make Up"
7. "My Baby"
8. "Told You So"
9. "Relapse"
10. "Runnin'"
11. "Freaky"
12. "Not Your Enemy"

http://www.jessemac.com