Where I Wanna Be

Where I Wanna Be CD LaFace Arista, 73008 26060 2, 1999, 13 Track

While the industry might be holding its collective breath waiting for the release of the next D'Angelo CD (current ETA: mid-March 2003), some of us have gotten on with our lives. Of course the reason we fiend for Mr. D is because he doesn't sound like your run-of-the-mill soul smoothie, and flashes of uniqueness are what keeps R&B fans from slitting their throats in frustration over the current ho-hum state of affairs. Enter singer-songwriter Donell Jones, whose second effort asks the question "What makes a hit?" The answer is his single "U Know What's Up": hooks upon hooks, a catchy melody, and a sexy but low-key vibe, put together in a way that's more than just retro-trendy. The rest of the Where I Wanna Be is classy and idiosyncratic without being too artsy--a perfect buy if you need a break from all the preening and smoke blowing that's all too common. --Amy Linden