It's no wonder those impressionable kids in 'N Sync like hanging out with Joe so much. On his third album, the simply named R&B star often comes across like the big brother most guys would probably like to have: smooth, confident, and in total control, casually spinning bedroom yarns without ever having to boast.
And in the oft-overwrought world of soul singing, where bigger always seems to be viewed as better, Joe's understatement can be quite refreshing--whether he's whispering the silky come-on "Somebody Gotta Be On Top" or coolly interrogating an unfaithful lover on the funky "Stutter." Best of all is his treatment of the first single "I Wanna Know," which has a simple, memorable melody that just invites vocal histrionics. Joe lays back instead, letting the tune shine on its own merits and creating a classy, classic-sounding single.
However, at some point reserve can become confused with lack of personality, and too much of this disc's second half drifts by pleasantly with too little to recommend it. Unfortunately, the parts you'll probably remember are the moments when Joe abandons his innate suavity and makes ungraceful nods toward his 'N Sync buddies, in word ("Get Crunk Tonight"--yikes!) and sound ("I Believe In You," an over-the-top duet with the teen titans). Hey, any guy could tell you--it's hard to look cool when you're hanging with your little brothers.
All recordings courtesy of Jive Records. ΓÇ£I Wanna KnowΓÇ¥ written by J. Thomas, J. Skinner, M. Williams; courtesy of Zomba Enterprises Inc./563 Music Publishing/Conversation Tree Entertainment, administered by Zomba Enterprises Inc. (ASCAP)/Foray Music/1972 Music, administered by Foray Music (SESAC). ΓÇ£Thank God I Found YouΓÇ¥ written by M. Carey, J. Harris III, T. Lewis; courtesy of Sony/ATV Songs, LLC/Rye Songs (BMI)/EMI April Music, Inc./Flyte Tyme Tunes (ASCAP). ΓÇ£Black HawkΓÇ¥ written by J. Thomas, J.P. Thompson, J. Robinson; courtesy of Zomba Enterprises, Inc./563 Music Publishing, administered by Zomba Enterprises, Inc./WB Music, Corp./Tallest Tree Music (ASCAP)/Browntown Sound Publishing/Yabyum Music/Sony/ATV Songs, LLC (BMI).
