Urban-Reviews.com - R&B Music

R&B Music - New Reviews
5 Discs = Classic | 4 Discs = Impressive | 3 Discs = Noteworthy

R Kelly
Double Up

4.0 out of 5 discs

Robert Kelly continues his reign as the self-proclaimed King of R&B with the release of Double Up, a collection of songs that run the gamut from good to bad. The self-titled album track features Snoop Dogg and is a decent offering but isn't necessarily single-worthy. Nelly lends a helping hand for "Tryin' To Get A Number" while Chamillionaire adds some Dirty South flavor for the song "Get Dirty." "Leave Your Name" is a nice slow serenade, and "Freaky In The Club" is a mid-to-slow tempo groove with a touch of island rhythm. The absolutely worst creation on the cd has to be "The Zoo," filled with references to various animals, 'jungle' sounds, and Tarzan calls. He quickly redeems himself with the borrowed reworking of "I'm A Flirt" with T.I. and T-Pain (a previous rendition was included on Bow Wow's The Price of Fame album as a hidden bonus track). He then dives right into the standout smash with Usher called "Same Girl" that was originally a studio-produced track that Atlanta R&B group Nephu recorded but never legally owned. "Real Talk" sounds like the epilogue of the "Trapped In The Closet" series since it literally is all talk and no singing throughout the entire track. "Hook It Up" features Hip-Hop newcomer Huey ("Pop, Lock and Drop It") while Ludacris and Kid Rock collaborate with Kels for the misplaced "Rock Star." Keyshia Cole and Polow Da Don trade verses with R Kelly for the conversation-style song "Best Friend." He closes out the album with the bass-heavy "Rollin," the slow and sexy "Sweet Tooth," the tender melody of "Havin' A Baby," the intergalactic slow track "Sex Planet," and his powerful Virginia Tech tribute song "Rise Up." Although there are a few missteps, Double Up stands out as R. Kelly's strongest album in years.

4.5 out of 5 discs

Bobby Valentino
Special Occasion

After breaking on the scene back in the mid-90s with R&B group Mista and then re-materializing in 2001 with his debut solo joint, Bobby Valentino is setting out to prove to the world that he could potentially be a long-standing and respected R&B recording artist. And when you listen to Special Occasion, it's becomes apparent that Bobby V has the talent to make good on his promise. "Anonymous" is his current smash hit flying up the charts because of it's energy and catchiness. He stays the course with the equally admirable "Checkin' For Me." Ludacris helps out his DTP fam for the ghetto harmony of "Rearview (Ridin')," followed by the enjoyable tracks "If I Had My Way" and "How 'Bout It" where he focuses on crooning the ladies even more. "Turn The Page" is all right, but it certainly shouldn't have been the lead-off single. "Home Is Where You Belong" is outstanding and has all the qualities for being a radio release. Fabolous drops a verse for yet another radio-ready single titled "Let Him Go." "Only Human" and "Can't Wait 'Til Later"are probably the most familiar sounding cuts with similar production and songwriting from previous work with Mista as well as his debut album. "I Was Wrong" is a throwback to the simpler days of R&B where great songwriting and vocals were more important than anything else. Bobby V does a knockout job of covering Babyface's classic "Soon As I Get Home." He closes the album with "Over & Over," a song that fans of 90's R&B will like the most since it puts you in the mind of Jodeci. Special Occasion is an album that every true soul music fanatic should add to their collection. Bobby Valentino will sure shut the naysayers down with this unforgettable album.

Tank
Sex, Love, & Pain

4 out of 5 discs

The Milwaukee-born, Maryland-bred Tank has resurfaced after five years of being off the musical radar. But the producer and songwriter has been busy working on recent albums by Ruben Studdard, Monica, Joe, and Donell Jones. His most recognizable work is probably the songs "VIP," "Do What It Do" and "Wish U Were Here" from Jamie Foxx's critically acclaimed Unpredictable album. Now that he's studied and experienced what it takes for a stellar R&B album, he offers up Sex, Love, And Pain for all to enjoy. Right out the gate, he hits you with a rather unique amalgamation called "Coldest" that is best described as an intro/track/epilogue that runs nearly 7 minutes. After the sweet "I'm Coming Home" and the alluring "My Body," we are blessed with the dynamic lead single "Please Don't Go." Another album standout follows in the mid-tempo cut "I Hate U," a serious contender at being the next single off the disc. "Heartbreaker" is a self-explanatory tune that points to the 'Pain' in the album title. "Who Dat" does the same thing, only this time showing the jealous side of a former boyfriend. "When" is a great slow jam for the ladies, while the horribly produced "Wedding Song" would've been better if it was left off the album. Luckily he makes up for the misstep with the simple, piano-laced "My Heart." He closes the album with the melodious "I Love U" and the less-than-satisfying Timbaland remix of "I Love Them Girls." There are four bonus cuts spread across other versions of Sex, Love, & Pain that were not reviewed since they are not part of the widely-distributed version of the album. Maybe those will make up for "Wedding Song" and the "I Love Them Girls" remix that bring this album down from being an otherwise stellar album.

4 out of 5 discs

Carl Thomas
So Much Better

No longer subject to the non-promoting Bad Boy label, Carl Thomas does a major re-up with his adequately titled new cd So Much Better. You are immediately seduced by the intro track "If I Could," leaving you wishing that it was a full-length song. "Another You (Steppers Mix)" is a nice mid-tempo cut suitable for the intimate lounge crowd. "2 Pieces" is just as danceable, with a heavy drum kick and smoothed-out lyrics. "Thought You Should Know" is the hands-down standout featuring the sweet songbird Lalah Hathaway quietly serenading in the background. Brandy is featured on the chorus and the track-ending ad libs of the otherwise mediocre "Somethin Bout You." Carl Thomas keeps it going with the infectious groove "If That Ain't Love," but then switches gears for the sultry "Late Night Rendezvous." The title track "So Much Better" is only so-so, but he does well with the reggae-inspired rhythm "Oh No (You Can't Be Serious)." Dave Hollister does a surprising duet with Carl Thomas for the wonderfully composed "Can't Get Over." "How Can We" is a song about getting past the drama in order to fix a relationship. "If You Ever" and "Say I Do" are both warmhearted cuts that the ladies will enjoy because of the subject matter, while "Home" is a ballad that speaks to those who might be away from their loving family for one reason or another. He closes with a remix of "Late Night Rendezvous" that features Bay Area rapper E-40 and a remix of "Oh No" featuring Baby Cham. Carl Thomas definitely put in some work for So Much Better. His long-time fans should have no problems with this album, and new listeners should appreciate it too because it's So Much Better.