Following an illustrious career, with nothing to prove, veteran R&B musician Charlie Wilson delivers a solid R&B affair on his 2013 LP, Love Charlie.

Charlie Wilson has nothing to prove.  He was a member of the popular Gap Band back-when and made a notable resurgence with his 2005 album Charlie, Last Name Wilson, which debuted at no. 10 on the Billboard 200.  That effort was propelled by the R. Kelly penned title track, “Charlie, Last Name, Wilson”, which was a big-time adult R&B hit. Since that commercial triumph, Wilson has cooled off commercially and has ‘chilled’ musically.  His 2013 LP, Love Charlie is a solid R&B album, but never flashy or revolutionary. But for a veteran, what does he have to prove?  Nothing – Wilson just delivers a solid R&B affair.

“If I Believe”

The inspirational, spiritually-driven ✓ “If I Believe” is a solid opening cut, which initially finds Wilson accompanied only by piano and string patch. His vocals are particularly rich on the chorus.

“I can always count on you

Because you never let me down

You’ve always been around, for me

And my trust for you will never leave

It will never leave

Cause you know my destiny

So, I believe.”

Follow-up “I Still Have You” is nothing flashy, but once again, solid R&B playing to Wilson’s strengths. “I Think I’m in Love” is the oldest-sounding cut that has graced a Wilson album as of late. Here, he reaches back to the late 50’s/early 60’s R&B sound.  Among the highlights is a key change.

“My Love Is All I Have”

✓ “My Love Is All I Have,” the promo single, patterns itself after a previous Charlie Wilson record, “You Are”. That said, “My Love is All I Have” doesn’t retread or supersede its inspiration – it is memorable and chivalrous in its own right. “Our Anniversary” sounds like an update of 70’s soul classics such as Billy Paul’s “Me and Mrs. Jones” or Heatwave’s “Always and Forever”. The thoughtful, once-again chivalrous songwriting, and soulful, classic sound is a perfect fit for Wilson.

“Turn Off the Lights” features lush production work in the contemporary R&B vein. Again, winning, winning, WINNING.  The vocal harmonization during the second verse also work out well for Wilson.  ✓ “A Million Ways to Love You” is the better record, exemplifying reserved adult contemporary at its best. The songwriting that graces the chorus is a definite selling point.  Numbers are referenced all over the place, whether it be 60 seconds in one minute, 88 keys on a piano, or the 26 letters in the alphabet.

“Whisper”

“A Million Ways to Love” is definitely a hard act to follow.  “Show You” tries to achieve the same oomph, but is merely solid, not particularly innovative or out of the ordinary. “My Baby” incorporates a more contemporary sound, updating classic funk.  It’s a change of pace, if a bit clunky. “Oooh Wee” benefits from a light adult contemporary R&B sound and production. “Oooh Wee” is in no way a bad cut, but also can’t be characterized as a standout.

“Say” features excellent, lush adult contemporary R&B production with 808s, clapping snares, and synthesized shakers.  All of that’s great, but the key cog is a strong vocal performance by Wilson, specifically on the chorus. Love Charlie closes sensationally, enlisting the talents of Keith Sweat on ✓ “Whisper.” It’s awesome to hear these two R&B vets collaborate on one of the effort’s most memorable, ‘grown-and-sexy’ joints.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Love Charlie is an appeal, solid, and well-rounded R&B album.  No,  it’s not ‘the second coming,’ but it’s definitely another welcome addition to the Charlie Wilson discography, no questions asked.

✓ Gems: “If I Believe,” “My Love is All I Have,” “A Million Ways to Love You” & “Whisper”

Charlie Wilson » Love Charlie » RCA » Release: 1.23.13

Photo Credit: RCA