Joe Thomas, New Man (CD - 2008)

Personnel: Wyldcard (strings, keyboards); Bryan-Michael Cox (keyboards, bass instrument, drums, programming); Cassandra Louise O'Neil (keyboards); Eric "Bluetooth" Griggs (bass instrument); Jared Gosselin, Jared Lee Gosselin (drums, programming); Shelton Rivers, Dernst "D Mile" Emile II, Jerry Flowers, Mack, The Stereotypes (programming).

Audio Mixer: Jean-Marie Horvat.

Recording information: DarkChild Studios, NJ; Joe's Crib Studios, NJ; The Black Room, Atlanta, GA; The Temple Studios, Fayettville, GA.

Photographer: Arnold Turner.

Arrangers: Jerry Flowers; C. Thomas.

With his single "E.R." burning up the charts even before the album JOE THOMAS, NEW MAN hit the shelves, it's clear that soul singer Joe Thomas knows a thing or two about how to make the R&B formula work. Smooth, suave, and dripping with loverman charm, Thomas draws from both vintage R&B influences like Marvin Gaye and Donny Hathaway, as well as au courant urban contemporary sounds. From the romantic plea of "Why Just Be Friends" to the tear-jerking ballad "Sorry," Thomas takes all the classic elements of the male R&B singer and brings them to life in the 21st century.

On his seventh album, R&B crooner Joe keeps doing what he's always done best: sings sexy, woman-centric midtempo jams. There are no dramatic change-ups here -- much as the likes of Barry White, Teddy Pendergrass, and Keith Sweat before him, Joe's not even trying to cross over to any audience other than adult black women. His intense focus, however (which he's possessed for pretty much his entire career), serves him well. "Why Just Be Friends" states his case with aplomb, a sexy come-on that never feels oily; Joe knows how to sell it. The production here, mostly supplied by Brian Michael Cox, is solidly up to date, taking its cues from Ne-Yo and The-Dream without ever sounding like it's trying to be trendy. Lead single "E.R." and "We Need to Roll" are highlights, but really the best thing about Joe Thomas, New Man is its consistency, which it's got in spades. ~ Thomas Inskeep minimize