R. Kelly's third album indicates that he's got the range and the staying power of an R&B great. More importantly, it's the album where the libidinous stage persona of R. and his creator Robert finally come together, offering a glimpse of the man behind the libido. Kelly plays almost every instrument on the 16 tracks himself, delivering subtle variations of his laid-back rhythm and gently pulsing bass with lush walls of sound constructed from synthesized strings, keyboards and marimbas. At first listen, the melodies seem lazy and indistinct, but the hooks are sly and insidious, and they work their way into your subconscious. Kelly's voice is what keeps you coming back until they register. A sweet and supple instrument, it caresses the curves in the arrangements, stretching from a throaty whisper to an croon to a magnificent soaring wail. He's also made strides beyond the more misogynous impulses of the earlier records. Predecessors from Marvin Gaye to Prince have believed that there's nothing more spiritual than really great sex, and R. Kelly is makeout music that ranks with the very best. --Jim DeRogatis