Love Letter [CD]

If you have been listening to R Kelly since his time with Public Announcement and his early solo work then it will not need stating that he is a man of immense talent, who has managed to sustain a long term career in a genre that has become increasingly short term in aspiration and inspiration, with little sustained support before the next 'big thing' is discovered and packaged (increasingly aimed at younger audiences). The cover photograph, the cd design and accompanying iconography all immediately appear to suggest that Kelly has followed the path of Raphael Saadiq's 'The Way I See It' (2008), and decided to present an album rooted in the music and iconography of an earlier age. The question is, is that indeed the case?

The album opens with a short vocal prelude dedicated to "the girls who stood beside me, and even all the bootleggers that couldn't afford to buy me" (evidence perhaps of a man not taking himself too seriously) before moving in to the title track 'Love Letter'. This is a very solid and pleasant modern melodic groover, likely to receive wide radio play and support, particularly from older soul fans. 'Number One Hit' is a slower paced affair, over which Kelly's voice softly croons and caresses, whilst 'Not Feelin' The Love' is a paen to lost love and better times, another strong and smooth melodic stand out. In 'Lost In Your Love' he sings of "...wanting to bring the love songs back to the radio', before delivering a very smooth performance. 'Just Can't Get Enough' is a song that hints at Kelly's admiration of Marvin Gaye's vocal technique and vocal inflections, delivered over a very contemporary working of earlier sounds. 'Radio Message' is another track that looks back to earlier soundscapes, whilst 'When a Woman Loves', perhaps the strongest track (with hints of Sam Cooke), manages to steer a fine course between homage and musical bombast. Motown appears to be behind 'Love Is', a duet with K Michelle, and 'Just Like That' is another smoothly delivered slower paced cut. 'Music Must Be a Lady' is another song bearing the influence of Marvin Gaye, before the album appears to conclude with 'How Do I Tell Her?'. There is, however, an 'extra' track included, a surprising cover of Michael Jackson's 'You Are Not Alone'.

So. Do you buy?

This will remain a largely redundant question for Kelly's long term fans, but this is an album that could well extend upon that base, exposing his latest work to a wider audience. Whilst the the initial impression suggested by the album artwork points to Kelly joining the recent revivalist movement for black music of the 1950s and 1960s, disposing of drum machines and electrical sounds, that doesn't prove to be the case, so some buyers may well be disappointed. However, that would be to misunderstand the possible intention of this album, the soundscape is entirely modern (with particular referencing to 'Happy People' and 'Step In The Name Of Love'), yet there are distinct echoes and reflections of earlier Soul music greats. Most importantly, the album eschews a collaborative approach and not a single track is interrupted by an inane rap, which is to be warmly welcomed. In short, this is a commercial soul / R&B album for grown ups.

This album doesn't purport to change the world, it simply allows the right amount of space for Kelly to showcase what he does best - sing.

A good album, and a good buy. Recommended.

This album reminds me of the good days R Kelly was rightly termed the King of R&B. He is so talented and its almost a shame how low he had fallen with all the drama in his life.. Get this album if you got R&B in your soul and blood...u cant go wrong with Kelly on this one..from start to finish...

This is a brilliant album from start to finish,so many good songs including the hit When A Woman Loves.This is R kelly at his best,mature sound,this is real music,this is a masterpiece.