![]() The direct and explicit lyrics (a feature of the album) might trouble some older listeners but don’t be fooled - this is firmly in the tradition of sensual and sensuous soul. “Looking for Love” allows Jaheim to summon up the ghosts of vocalists past while a Willie Hutch sample works its slinky magic. However, instead of the hip-hop, gangsta anthems one might be expecting, there follows the first of a series of beautifully sung beat ballads. A half-rap exchange finds our hero loaned a car to ease his search for female company. This one works better than most as it portrays Jaheim leaving jail and hitting the streets once more. The journey begins with the obligatory spoken interlude. Add to that a sample-rich production overseen by the always interesting Kaygee and the end result is a satisfying mix of the rough and the smooth - a soulful ride for these troubled times. ![]() The resultant sound is still R&B-based but of a quality and emotional richness that has been sadly lacking in recent times. That is Jaheim - young, toughened by the perils of ghetto living and with a voice reminiscent of the old Bluenotes maestro. To get an idea of what is going on here, try and imagine the type of record Teddy Pendergrass would make if he were 21 in Y2K, came from New Jersey and had spent too many of his teenage years in Correctional Facilities. Even if he doesn’t, he has at least shown that Stevie Wonder is not the only voice from the past worth copying if you want to give your music some real class. With a bit of luck Jaheim Hoagland might set a trend for full, rich vocal stylings, the sort that have been in such short supply since the tricksy, nasal mannerisms that emerged in the days of Swingbeat pushed soulful male vocals to the margins of the urban scene. ![]() ![]() There may be better albums released this year but there won’t be any better vocal performances. What we have here is the best male voice to come out of R&B since…well, since ever, actually. Jaheim is going to be big and for once you can believe the hype. This, for a first release, is unusual but Ghetto Love is no ordinary first effort. There was such a buzz around this album that the amount of bootlegs circulating caused release dates in the US and Europe to be changed. ![]()
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