Donell Jones (Untouchables/Arista)
If much of recent R&B has seemed raunchy and blasé, some fine romancing has returned in this year's releases by such sensitive soul men as Musiq, Glenn Lewis and now Donell Jones. On his third album Jones, with his silky tenor and heartfelt declarations, comes off as a Babyface for the younger generation. Like Babyface, Jones, 29, is a multitalented artist who uses his skills as a singer, songwriter and producer to create sumptuous, sophisticated slow jams that are awfully easy on the ears. On tastefully rendered ballads such as "Where You Are (Is Where I Wanna Be) (Part 2)," he's not afraid to show his vulnerability, even if it means that he has to get down on his knees and beg forgiveness. Although this disc lacks a killer cut, it is a consistently gratifying effort that only stumbles when Jones attempts to be street-tough on the midtempo sex song "Freakin' U." His thug act is about as convincing as Richard Simmons stepping into an Ultimate Fighting ring.
Bottom Line: Good lovin'
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