R. Kelly, (self) proclaims that he's is bringing Love back to the R&B, a move that I've been yearning for since Next came out with Too Close. Nevermind that Robert is to blame for putting the raunch in radio... On his PG-rated, unabashedly romantic new album, the consummate crooner shows Minaj how to mimic, with loving renditions of Michael Jackson and Sade tempered with his own maudlin stylings. Occasionally, the respectability is leavened by that trademark excess, a love for silly metaphors, ridiculous narrative and warbling melisma. This time, we get to reminisce about a mournful hookup in the back seat of a Taxi. But, Kelly's obvious breadth of knowledge and affinity for the the rich history of rhythym and blues, including his own place within that history, permeates the album. While, others have been taking it back, no one has the vocal capabilities to bust out the emotional dynamism like R. Kelly can, even when he's equating great sex to lady muse-ic. Yeah, he gets a pass on that one.