Three years after the release of The Love Experience, Raheem Devaughn shows us more love with his second album, Love Behind the Melody. This album is stronger and more mature with mass appeal. Despite the repetitive and overused theme of love and relationships within the R&B world, Raheem has managed to carve his niche and keep listeners interested. The new album is a combination of powerful vocals and dynamite production, creating an enjoyable listening experience.

Love Behind the Melody has extraordinary tracks with a range of sound from old school (“Four Letter Word” and “Mo’ Better”) to funky neo soul productions (“Butterflies” and “Try Again”). Yet those who still crave that mainstream R&B sound will be pleased to hear “Empty” and “Customer”. Raheem’s vocal range and creativity are also worth mentioning.

On the down side, “Friday (Shut the Club Down)” is lyrically and musically disappointing with its out-of-place subject of Friday night clubbing and uninspiring beat and melody. “Energy” is tolerable at best while “Love Drug” and “Customer” are lyrically elementary leaving something to be desired. Redemption, however, lies in “Try Again” and “She’s Not You”.

Although the album lacks thematic consistency and has a couple of below average tracks, Love Behind the Melody finishes strong. Unlike many mainstream R&B albums released these days, this is an album you can listen to with your man/woman, kids and grandmother. This album brings hope that R&B can be resuscitated from its dry, stale state and can birth a new wave of talented R&B artists as in the 90s. Raheem tells us, “Some people make music for a moment; I make music for a lifetime”. Agreed.