R&B Sessions CD

Don't let the cover fool you. Despite the young baller in the sports car and his scantily clad lady friend, R&B Sessions is filled out with contemporary R&B and neo-soul that'll be more attractive to grownups. Part of Union Square's now-extensive Sessions series (see Breaks Sessions, Funk Sessions, Soul Sessions, Disco Sessions, and '80s Groove Sessions) this two-disc set compiles a number of well-known and lesser-known R&B singles from the past several years. Since it was released in the U.K., there's a slant toward material that went over well in that territory, but this should be no deterrent for non-Brits. Most of the selections span the mid-'90s through the early 2000s, with a healthy number of great singles rounded up in the process. TLC's "Creep," Aaliyah's "Age Ain't Nothing but a Number," Nicole's "Make It Hot," Shaun Escoffery's "Space Rider," and Groove Theory's "Tell Me" highlight this very enjoyable compilation. It's clearly not meant to be the final say or definitive in any sense, but you can tell that a good deal of thought was put into the assembly -- much like the other Sessions discs. Those who quit paying attention to R&B during the past decade plus might be surprised to realize that the soul has not left soul music. ~ Andy Kellman

R&B Sessions features 2 CDs of classic R&B tracks from recent years. Aside from obvious chart hits it also features a number of lesser known floor killing gems. Includes tracks from Mary Mary, Donnel Jones, TIC, Shaun Escoffrey and Hill St. Soul. 30 smooth street beats packaged with a slipcase. Sessions label. 2003.