Leavin'

Jesse McCartney's "Leavin'" is the masculine equivalent to Avril Lavigne's "Girlfriend" and the Pussycat Dolls' "Doncha." While those singers rhapsodized on stealing other girls' boyfriends, Jesse McCartney (of no relation to Sir Paul) sings about stealing a woman from her boyfriend so she can "sing all night." McCartney has made a significant departure from his wholesome Disney image;he's told it to live and let die. He's a band on the run.

"Leavin'" has a somewhat catchy melody,along with a good R&B beat. The music video is even better,with Jesse baring his chest (and his soul) He's grown up. "Leavin'" is a somewhat sensual song,but it's bland and unoriginal. It's what one can expect for R&B radio,nothing distinct.

"Leavin'" is a departure for McCartney. Whether he'll become more original and make a break from prefab pop is another question altogether.

This is a four and a half star review that has been rounded up to five for Amazon's system.

Jesse McCartney has come a long way since "The Second Star to The Right" and this is the song that proves it. The first time I heard I thought it might be Neo or Chris Brown or one of those guys; I was stunned to hear it was Jesse. Beautiful with a nice hook and a very pretty melody, "Leavin'" is less woman-trashing than a lot of R&B/Pop on the radio this year, and holds up to repeated listenings.

The biggest surprise on this single is McCartney's vocal range; he's almost up to Justin Timberlake with hitting high notes and the song ends with a great fadeout of his voice. And so I find myself buying a Jesse McCartney song and giving him a

GRADE: B+

And for the most part it works. I just saw the video for the first time and it was alright.

But lyrically, it's about this girl who he wants to take away because she's not being treated right.

You gotta tell em, you better tell em, "I'm leavin'" he says.

Not bad for pop but I hope the whole CD doesn't try to be cool like this. Jesse's second album which contained more rock elements compared to the first was a pleasant surprise. There was maybe one song I didn't like much.

Here' to hopin' this album's just as good.

3.5 stars.

end note: it's 8/18/08 and this song has grown on me.

4 stars.