Weekend

Kenny Lattimore

Kenny Lattimore hit the R&B scene in 1996 with a self-titled debut that showcased his considerable vocal talent and songwriting skills. On his second album, From the Soul of Man (1998), Lattimore experimented with acoustic guitar and gospel influences, revealing a complex musician behind the matinee-idol looks. Weekend might have extended this experimental trend, but, unfortunately, it's more conventional than its predecessor, playing it safe with Babyface-style ballads and "Girl, I can treat you better than him" lyrics.

It's not revolutionary, but Lattimore does this music better than anyone else. The album's bouncy first single, "Weekend," has a decidedly retro-'80s feel owing to a sample from Blondie's "Rapture" buried in the bass line. Lattimore collaborates with Raphael Saadiq on the smooth, sexy "Come to Me," but the wannabe urban lyrics of "Can You Feel Me," a duet with Shanice Wilson, sink an otherwise solid effort. Weekend lives up to its name--relaxing, romantic, sweet, and over far too soon. --Courtney Kemp