Sound: 70s-inspired R&B with a solid groove and some modern hip hop flavor
Notes: John sung on Kanye West’s “Jesus Walks” Jay-Z’s “Encore” and played piano back in 1998 on Lauryn Hill’s “Everything Is Everything” (credited as John R. Stephens)
Heavy Rotation tracks: “Used to Love U“; “Number One” (featuring Kanye West); “I Can Change” (featuring Snoop Dogg); “Stay With You”
Medium Rotation tracks: The rest
Recommended: To anyone with even the mildest interest in soulful music. This excellent album has an extremely wide appeal.
Grade: A (Strong candidate for the Top 10 Albums of 2005)