Various Artists - Totally R&B (CD)

All Music Guide

Released at the same time as its sister release, Totally Hip Hop, Totally RB follows a similar path, basing itself on recent chart hits that are heavy on early-2003 chart entries. Again, it's this kind of compilation that's geared toward radio listeners and video-program watchers who don't go to the record store each week to stay up on all the new full-length releases. It's also a good way for those out of the loop to get back in, since it focuses on significant hits from within a rather specific time frame. Although the disc won't be as timely in a few years, it'll still function as a time capsule for the period it covers. Key tracks include Alicia Keys' "A Woman's Worth," Angie Stone's "Brotha," Nivea's "Laundromat," Tyrese's "How You Gonna Act Like That," Luther Vandross' "I'd Rather," Kenny Lattimore and Chanté Moore's "Things That Lovers Do," R. Kelly's "Ignition," and Jaheim's "Put That Woman First." As a look at the smoother, more contemporary sounds of the RB/hip-hop chart, Tot...ally RB functions as a fine summation. - Andy Kellman, All Music Guide Read more Less