R. Kelly has been giving us music (as a solo artist) for 17 years. And his music spans a few genres. He’s brought us inspirational music, music to dance to and music for the bedroom.  A lot (and I mean a lot) of his songs have to do with sex and he’s not afraid to get graphic, explicit, weird, etc.

But on this album, Kelly is pretty tame and there’s no explicitness. You won’t have to worry about your kids hearing something or having to hide it from your parents. There is no parental advisory sticker here. Even the album cover has Kelly in a suit, looking old fashioned and singing. And that’s what you’re getting here. This is a throwback album that sounds like it is paying homage to artists in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.  It’s a series of love songs that Kelly uses to remind us that he’s an incredible singer and artist.

The album opens up with Kelly singing an a Capella introduction. Even when he’s just talking to us, his voice sounds great. Then we get to the music. And there are several good ones here. Just listening, you can tell that he’s been inspired by so many great artists. You can hear influences by Michael Jackson, Donny Hathaway, Sam Cooke, Otis Redding and Marvin Gaye, etc.  Luckily, I’m a huge fan of these artists so I greatly enjoyed this album.

The first song on the album is “Love Letter” and is my favorite track. It’s the kind of song you can play for a woman you’re interested in and I’ll bet you’ll hear it at some weddings. I absolutely recommend checking this one out. He even makes a Christmas version of this song at the end of the album.

“Number One Hit” sounds very much like Sade and he even references her at the end of the song. A nice way to tell your woman that she’s the best thing you have. “Not Feeling The Love” looks back at a love that used to be great but has started to fade. He’d like to get back to where they were.

Then we get back to a few more love songs. “Lost In Your Love” is all about falling completely for someone and wanting to be with them. It’s just a beautiful song. It has a great melody, musical composition and lyrics. The man is trying his hardest to help you get the woman you’re after.

“Just Can’t Get Enough” sounds (to me) like it’s inspired by Marvin Gaye. I can close my eyes and imagine Marvin singing this. Another wonderful track with soulful, emotional vocals and I think Mr. Gaye would be proud.

The only track that almost reverts to Kelly’s sexual songs is “Taxi Cab”. It’s about meeting a woman and getting it on in a taxi cab. He didn’t even get her name but he can’t get her out of his head. Still, it’s not dirty and you hear Michael Jackson’s influence on him at the end of the song.

“Radio Message” is going out to a woman that he’s lost and wants back. It’s another track full of emotional vocals and just might help you get your woman back if you’ve messed up. I loved this song, a lot.

On “When A Woman Loves”, Kelly is just showing off how talented he is. Seriously, he’s a great singer. He makes you feel what he’s feeling and he’s more than just songs about getting some booty. When I listen, a few older artists come to mind but I can’t pinpoint just who I think this sounds like the most. I’m tempted to go with Percy Sledge though. This song was also nominated for a grammy. I’ll put the video below just so you can hear how good this is.

Kelly brings in K. Michelle for a duet on “Love Is”. It has a Motown sound and they sound beautiful together. Honestly, it’s just beautiful. I’m not doing this justice.

Then we get to two tracks that are just ok. “Just Like That” sounds more like Kelly’s two-step stuff.  But it still has an old-fashioned feel to it. The song is about falling for someone as soon as you see them. And on “Music Must Be A Lady”, Kelly seems to be writing a love letter to music itself.

After that, we’re back to the greatness with “How Do I Tell Her”. In it, Kelly sings about trying to find a way to tell his woman that it’s over. He promised her forever and he doesn’t want to break her heart but it’s better to do it now than to let things go on. You can just feel the agony in his voice. This is another track you must check out.

The album closes with Kelly’s cover of Michael Jackson’s “You Are Not Alone”. He actually wrote this song for Michael. Kelly sounds a little like Michael at times but I think I like Michael’s version better.

For fans of R. Kelly’s singing, you’ll love this. I’ve heard some people say they don’t like the album because it sounds like oldies and they miss his “Bump N Grind” stuff. Well, if you can’t appreciate something different, I don’t know what to say to you. This is just an album full of beautiful songs, musically and lyrically. And some people won’t listen to him just because of his legal troubles. Look, you don’t have to like him as a person but that doesn’t mean you can’t respect what the man does as an artist.

I love the “old” feel to the tracks. I see nothing wrong with an artist of today paying respect to artists of the past. Especially when they choose artists like the ones I listed above. Sam Cooke and Otis Redding are two of my favorite artists ever so why wouldn’t I appreciate something like this? If you never liked the oldies and refuse to listen to any artist earlier than the 80’s or 90’s, then this won’t be for you. But you’re really missing out though. If you can’t appreciate music this good, then there’s something wrong with you.

This is a “must hear” album and I hope everyone else enjoys it as much as I did. In “Lost In Your Love”, Kelly sings “I want to bring the love songs back to the radio”. All I can say is….mission accomplished.

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