Departure - Taio Cruz

ADETAYOR AYOWALE CRUZ ONILE-ERE Going unknown to many, Taio Cruz is emerging as one of the UK's biggest exports, as despite his lack of exposure meaning he can hardly even get mobbed at small-time concerts in public parks, as a producer and songwriter there are few to challenge him. Born to a Nigerian father and a Brazilian mother, Taio has no lack of cultural background to turn to for inspiration, even though he was nurtured in the concrete playground of London, England. Taio is closing in on his twenty-sixth birthday in late April, and after sticking to releasing about a single a year, he must have finally decided that as the founder and CEO of Rokstarr Music, his ...  Read the complete review

This country doesnt produce that many rnb artists where their music can transcend over to America, but I have to say out of all the artists Taio Cruz is best placed. He may not have the publicity lots of people get from coming on Xfactor, but he is far far too talented for a show like that. Even before he was famous he was producting songs for the likes of Will Young and Sugababes. Finally in 2008 he released Departure, the album that I am reviewing, and would it be able to live up to his promise? The most famous track here was I Just Wanna Know, however looking at the chart positions I can see it only reached 29 in the Uk which is not great. However this was ...  Read the complete review

You have to love this guy, he has emerged as one of the freshest and most exciting r and b talents on the UK music scene. This album showcases Taio's ability to juggle downtempo ballads with edgy grooves. Who is he: Taio Cruz is a UK singer/songwriter, very well spoken and often well dressed. On this album: One of the highlights is the stirring 'Moving On', which has Timbaland esque beats working with his soulful vocals, as Taio pours his heart out about how he can't wait for his partner to leave so that he can get on with his life. 'I Just Wanna Know' is very similar and has a similar melody, finding Taio questioning whether he is being cheated on. ...  Read the complete review

Taio Cruz is a singer and songwriter from London, England and Departure is his debut album, which was released in March. He has had some success with singles, most notably 'Moving On', 'Come on Girl' and 'She's Like a Star'. The album comes in at 12 songs long, all really high quality with no duds included. The strength of the album can only help him to increase his fan base because the quality and consistency of this record is beyond an artist releasing their first major album. He could be described as a UK version of Ne-Yo, since he is a talented singer/songwriter who creates high quality music. However, while having an American influence it isn't ...  Read the complete review

Released in March 2008, this album which was written, produced and arranged by the artist, Taio Cruz, himself is one of the few albums in the charts where the artist is the key talent driving the album to success. The debut album by this artist entered the charts at number 17 and has sent him soaring to success with popular hits such as 'Come On Girl' and 'I Can Be'. *Track Listing* 1. I'll Never Love Again (3.51) 2. I Just Wana Know (4.00) 3. I Can Be (3.54) 4. I Don't Wana Fall In Love (3.24) 5. So Cold (3.29) 6. Fly Away (4.05) 7. Drive Me Crazy (3.16) 8. Moving on (3.53) 9. Come On Girl (3.36) 10. ...  Read the complete review