Montell Jordan (Def Soul)

When Montell Jordan busted his first move on the charts in 1995 with the hip-hop-soul jam "This Is How We Do It," he seemed desperate to be the next R. Kelly but more likely to be a one-or two-hit wonder. Jordan brought plenty of bumpin' to the dance floor but showed no sign of the vocal chops and songwriting ability that make for lengthy careers.

That was then. Five albums into his surprisingly consistent catalog, Jordan still should not be mentioned in the same breath as Marvin Gaye or Stevie Wonder, but on his latest he more than holds his own. Cementing his credibility as an artist, this is more adult R&B that rarely disappoints. Having all but dropped the rapping of his early days—except for some tiptoeing into hip hop at the disc's outset—Jordan has evolved into a convincing soul balladeer, delivering an array of old-school slow jams that are alternately romantic, sexy and even spiritual. He gets strong support from guest singer Case on "Coulda Woulda Shoulda," one of several tunes that recall vintage Isley Brothers. But Jordan really excels on the bluesy, gospel-tinged "Can't Take It No More," which proves just how far he has come.

Bottom Line: Still doin' it