Chris Youngblood - In Love With You

I got the feeling that I knew where Chris Youngblood's heart was at after listening to his latest CD, In Love With You. The CD sports 15 tracks, with 11 of them (including two versions of the title track) being what can be called adult soul and R&B. The final four tracks take on a more youth orientated hip-hop/R&B fusion that seems to be Youngblood's attempt to create something that will get played on the radio.

So, if quantity is any measure, it's safe to assume that Youngblood's heart is firmly in the adult soul and R&B camp. If quality is the measure, I'd say Youngblood's heart is in the right place. Only one of the four hip-hop/R&B fusion tracks rises about the cliché bedroom come on's and braggadocio that often typifies radio R&B. That song, "Hot" Youngblood uses the lyrics to create the vision of the type of urban goddess that turns heads. Musically, the mid tempo song has a groove that makes it the ideal summertime jam.

And while that's the only hit among songs targeted at the BET set, Youngblood is a perfect 11 for 11 with the tracks geared toward the mature set. Don't believe me? Contrast the sensual "Don't Waste Your Time" with the paint by numbers bedroom fantasy "Up And Down."

However, there's a lot to like about In Love With You, and it's a good thing that Youngblood spent the bulk of the album following his heart rather than the latest R&B trends. This record sports some absolute gems like the dreamy "Lady of My Dreams." The title is a throwback soul ballad featuring a hypnotic pace laid down by the rhythm section. The dance track "Spend Your Life" is a great couple's song that sports a great hook, while the song "Tell the Truth" showcases Youngblood's songwriting and storytelling prowess. This funky mid-tempo jam finds Youngblood confronting the consequences of infidelity and what my happen to his relationship if he comes clean.

In Love With You is an especially strong work even considering the fact that the hip-hop/R&B songs don't work nearly as well as the more soulful stuff. Still, you can't blame Youngblood for making a play for radio success. And who knows, the artist might have managed to create that rare work that has something for everybody. Recommended

Howard Dukes