Presented to an artist who releases during the eligibility year (Oct. 1, 2004-Sept. 30, 2005) the first recording which establishes the public identity of that artist.
CHRIS BROWN
Eligible Work:"Chris Brown" (Jive)
Billboard Album Review- "Chris Brown"- December 03, 2005: With his self-titled debut, 16-year-old Chris Brown manages to stand out amid the sea of young singers vying for the top. Backed by the infectious lead single and recent Billboard Hot 100 No. 1 "Run It!," the Virginia native proves listeners should not write him off merely based on inexperience. Though Brown's sweet songs are set up to appeal to a young female fan base, the narratives are mature enough to sway some older folks. The singer plays the sweet-talker on tracks like "Your Man Ain't Me" and "Is This Love," while the Scott Storch creation "Gimme That" (much like "Run It!") diversifies this ballad-heavy album. The pretentious "What's My Name" and the praise-God "Thank U" notwithstanding, "Chris Brown" makes a strong case that age really ain't nothing but a number.
