Like Luther Vandross, Eric Benét (pronounced beh-NAY) is an old-fashioned, romantic soul singer in the vein of Stevie Wonder and Al Green; Benét even includes a sample of Green's "Love and Happiness" in his own song, "More Than Just a Girlfriend". Unlike Vandross, however, Benét has also absorbed the funk-rock moves of Sly Stone, George Clinton and Prince, a connection emphasised by his remake of Stone's, "If You Want Me To Stay". Many have tried, but few have combined these styles as effectively as he does on his debut solo album. Benét's tenor purrs with seductive soulfulness, but those vocals are surrounded by rocking wah-wah guitars, beeping synthesizers and funky, on-the-one drum patterns. --Geoffrey Himes