R. Kelly does not bother about his new double album: the R&B icon of the nineties is still burning with the ambition: 'welcome to the chocolate factory, where music is not just music but hit music'. And hit sensitive it sure is. In addition, the record appears to be intended to restore his damaged reputation - Kelly was accused of having sex with a minor. On the first CD he sings about the love
… for humanity, on the second CD the love for God. The first CD meets the expectations of its many fans with eleven romantic love songs. Only once does the blood creep where it doesn't go and he sings about his achievements in the bedroom (The Greatest Show On Earth). The second CD is lyrically a lot more interesting because Kelly not only piously professes his faith but also sings candidly about his doubts and feelings of guilt, as in the ingenious telephone conversation with Kelly Price and Kim Burell (3 Way Phone Call). Although much of his music comes across as somewhat formulaic, there is still nothing to be said about the quality. (MS)more
