The Bobby Valentino Formula

I had a bad first impression of Bobby Valentino when he released "Slow Down" in '05. He struck me as off-key, average-singing, average-looking, and a lazy songwriter. But over the past 3 years, he has managed to charm me thrice:

1) Pimpin' All Over the World (2005): I figured this was just a fluke. Bobby only appeared in the hook, so I assumed I enjoyed this song in spite of him. I did notice the unusual yet sensible harmonies, and was confused to see Bobby Valentino mouthing the lyrics in the video.

2) Anonymous (2007): Smacked me in the face and called me Susan. The vocal harmonies, off-beat arrangement, combined with Timbaland's incredible production sound like the eye of a tornado if you're in a truck with a great sound system.

3) Mrs. Officer (2008): I came home very early one recent morning after pulling an all-nighter at a studio, and in the middle of my delirium I heard it: "Wee-oo-wee-oo-wee, Wee-oo-wee-oo-wee, Wee-oo-wee-oo-wee." I had no idea what this sound was, but it followed me to sleep that morning. A few weeks later, I heard this sound again behind an unmistakably Weezified voice identifying the source of this pleasure: "Bobby Valentino." The formula made sense: atypical vocal harmonies measured against very memorable refrains.

Bobby Valentino is inconsistent- often bland, but with flashes of promise. Let's hope these promises aren't empty.