This modern R&B stalwart has always offered the perfect blend of dreamy old-school soul textures; jangly, guitar-driven atmospheres; and slick, modern funk grooves. And oh, that voice -- mellow and sexy, seductive to the core. The best "come to beddy bye" tone since Barry White, and so steeped in that era. The vibe on "Too Much Room" artfully merges all of those things and sounds like a modern twist on the O'Jays (where his dad, Eddie Levert, still holds court), but he gets a little ambitious with the sometimes-annoying ...
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This modern R&B stalwart has always offered the perfect blend of dreamy old-school soul textures; jangly, guitar-driven atmospheres; and slick, modern funk grooves. And oh, that voice -- mellow and sexy, seductive to the core. The best "come to beddy bye" tone since Barry White, and so steeped in that era. The vibe on "Too Much Room" artfully merges all of those things and sounds like a modern twist on the O'Jays (where his dad, Eddie Levert, still holds court), but he gets a little ambitious with the sometimes-annoying scowl/screech of guest artist Mystical. "Since You Ain't Around" is all bedroom-eyes fun, his vocals almost a plea. "Wilding Me Out" has a sparse production (mostly just Fender Rhodes and a rhythm track) which allows for one of the clearest vocal tracks on the recording. Levert will hopefully educate some of his fans to the art of jazz with the inclusion of Roy Ayers' vibes on "Oh What a Night." Levert's scatting duet with Ayers is a highlight. ~ Jonathan Widran, Rovi
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