Untitled (Bonus Track Version)

iTunes Review

Few singers have been through as many phases as R&B veteran R. Kelly. His career has touched on everything from New Jack Swing to adult contemporary, and he's racked up an amazingly diverse list of collaborations, from Michael Jackson to Notorious B.I.G. With recent hits like “I’m A Flirt” and “Same Girl”, Kelly has proved his relevancy to today’s audience. Now, with his ninth album, Untitled, Kelly returns to the sound of his mid-‘90s glory days. “Religious”, “Whole Lotta Kisses” and “Go Low” are pared-down, sincere productions that recall vintage Kelly slow jams from 12 Play and R. Of course, over the past decade Kelly has become best-known for his concept songs, and “Echo”, “Bangin’ the Headboard” and “Text Me” are the kind of come-ons that only Kelly can get away with. Meanwhile, “Pregnant” is “baby-makin’ music” in the most literal sense. Above all, the material on Untitled proves that no one has more fun with R&B than Kelly. At 42, he is a seasoned player, but his voice has never sounded better, and Untitled proves that youth is no match for old-fashioned charm and cleverness.