If you ask Mario, he’ll tell you right off the bat; he’s the best singer on the scene today. Sure you have your Chris Browns, your Trey Songzs and your Ne-Yo’s, but when all is said and done, you have Mario— an artist who’s weathered the R&B storm since his introduction in the summer of 2002.

“D.N.A”, Mario’s fourth solo effort may perplex the listener on whether or not his bold gesture holds true. The 12-cut composition jump starts with the blistering and infectious Sean Garrett and Gucci Mane-assisted “Break Up.” The track’s signature mid-verse stuttering snares along with Gucci’s simplistic commentary balance out what could’ve been a redundant plea for one’s significant other to return home.

The Runners-produced, “Thinkin About You,” “D.N.A.’s” second single, houses pulsating kicks accompanied with freshly echoed claps that are completely driven by Mario’s tone. He croons on the hook, “When the after party is over, and for no particular reason/I want you to pull me in closer and tell me that you ain’t leavin.” “Get Out” presents a darker and edgier demeanor leaving Mario filled with domestic struggles questioning when it all turned sour.

Back and forth relationship struggles on “D.N.A.” might indicate Mario’s relationship position wasn’t the greatest. However, documentation on the entire ordeal secured a solid story in-the-making. The melodic driven “Stranded” hoists Mario’s immature habits resulting in a painful inquiry of what the future will hold relationship-wise.

The Dre & Vidal-produced “Before I Said Hi” narrates Mario’s bachelor patterns before fixing his mouth to encounter the lady of his dreams. “I Choose You” can be pegged as a continuation from “Before I Said Hi.” The Stargate-produced and Babyface written acoustic cut leaves all doubt at the front door as Mario solidifies a tight clutch on his female of choice.

D.N.A.’s closing act, “The Hardest Moment” provides an introspective look on the conclusion of a relationship where both parties are content with going their separate ways. Deeming the song as extremely “personal,” Mario sings, “See a man that ain’t afraid to cry, is a man that ain’t afraid to die.”

In all, “D.N.A.” could be described as a break-up to make-up offering. The set kept a consistent setting giving the consumer the full on experience on what it’s like for a man to endure a painful separation. Not to say Mario himself went through one, however, he did a hell of a job convincing us he did.