Contemporary R&B

R. Kelly was hardly a stranger to controversy in the early 2000s. In addition to being hit with 21 counts of child pornography in Chicago and 12 more in Polk County, FL, the beleaguered singer/producer faced various sex-related civil suits. All those scandals have, at times, overshadowed his music, which is regrettable because Chocolate Factory has a lot going for it. Emphasizing romantic slow jams, it's not as ambitious or risk-taking as 1998's R. -- which is arguably Kelly's best, most essential release despite its own imperfections -- Chocolate Factory, like 2000s TP-2.Com, tends to play it safe. But that doesn't mean Chocolate Factory is without merit; what it lacks in ambition it makes up for in terms of quality and craftsmanship. Many of the influences that have served Kelly well on... Less

Deja Vu, Geri King's full-length 2002 debut, was a nice showcase for her soulful, clean-burning vocal style, even if its effectiveness was curtailed slightly by canned arrangements and limited production. The synthesized melodies and percussion return for Always, again courtesy of principal King collaborator Kimo Kaulani. However, the album does boast streamlined songcraft that focuses on ballads and mellow contemporary R&B. Standouts include the opener Could It Be, the spare, neo-soul-inspired Tears You'll Never See, and My Life's defiant TLC simmer. ~ Johnny Loftus, Rovi