Eric Benét is a significant contender in the line of young soul men (Maxwell, D'Angelo, Kenny Lattimore) who combine thoughtful lyricism, an old school R&B feel, and smooth sensuality. One listen to Benét's second solo album, and there's no doubt about it: the Milwaukee native has all the elements to become a major star. The vocal and lyrical influence of Stevie Wonder is evident on "Lamentation," "Why You Follow Me," and the emotive ballad "Come As You Are," while Wyclef Jean's contribution, "Loving Your Best Friend," is one of the disc's highlights. Still, Benét is very much his own man on cuts like "When You Think of Me" (featuring '70s jazz-funk pioneer Roy Ayers) and the heart-wrenching slow jam "Love the Hurt Away." --David Nathan