Baby Makin' Music (CD - 2006)

Additional personnel: Jermaine Dupri, R. Kelly.

The follow-up to the Isley's excellent 2003 album BODY KISS gives all indications that the legendary R&B outfit is still going strong some 50 years into its career. Decades before young, hip-hop-influenced urban contemporary singers were swinging and swaying their way into women's good graces, Ronald Isley was laying down the blueprint as the original mac crooner, and BABY MAKIN' MUSIC proves he's still got it.

Ronald's vocal delivery is as strong as ever: rich, emotional, and dripping with seduction. A passing familiarity with the Isley's romantic side and a glance at the song titles--"Gotta Be With You," "Give It To You," and "Heaven Hooked Us Up," among them--should tip listeners off to the sexy, dim-the-lights R&B on offer. Guest appearances from R. Kelly and Jermaine Dupri keep the proceedings au courant, but never distract from the group's classic sound. minimize