Jaheim - Makings of a Man (CD)

All Music Guide

Jaheim switches from Warner Bros. to Atlantic after 2006's numberone Ghetto Classics, and it's business as usual for the singer. He continues to surround himself with a complementary roster of fellow songwriters and producers, including associates old (KayGee, Wesley Hogges, Darren Lighty, Eric Williams, Balewa Muhammad) and new (R. Kelly, Babyface, Ivan Barias, Carvin Haggins). Like an overwhelming percentage of Jaheim's first three albums, there's nothing flashy about The Makings of a Man. It's builttolast RB with a foot in the past and another in the present, his toughyetsmooth Teddy PendergrassmeetsLuther Vandross voice in full effect. Particularly bright spots include "Hush" (the R. Kelly collaboration, where Jaheim feels conflicted over sleeping with his best friend's woman), the Force M.D.s'sampling "Have You Ever" (a frank checkyourself number, despite its wistfulness), and pretty much every other track that incorporates a soul classic, whether it's Bobby Womack's "If You Think... You're Lonely Now" ("Lonely") or Atlantic Starr's "Let's Get Closer" ("I've Changed," featuring Keyshia Cole). - Andy Kellman, All Music Guide Read more Less