is 's first proper album in five years, and his first set released outside the major-label system. After six albums for and , and the -supported , a reggae-oriented collaboration, the singer known as resurfaces on , the -affiliated boutique label run by Grammy-winning producer ( , ). previously worked together on , both of which topped Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop album chart. The two pick up here where they left off. Nothing here is out of step with anything from 's earlier releases. It's all comfortable, soul-rooted R&B with occasional throwback references, such as the opener's rhythmic likeness to "Rapper Dapper Snapper" and the familiar breakbeat that propels highlight "Heart Away." "Loving You," co-written by , is one of the singer's most ardent ballads, all slinking drums and shadowy synthesizers. Its chorus feels like 's "Ready or Not" stretched out, as heard in a dream that plays out in slow motion. On the coasting "Changed My Mind," makes like a less extroverted , granted a backdrop that bears some resemblance to 's "Can't Hide Love." The conflicted moments, as expected, are handled in sensitive and loving fashion, as on the soul-jazz-infused "Far Gone," featuring a typically layered verse, and the -like "Walk Away," where simple words of wisdom are delivered with too much warmth to be disregarded as trite. is as reliable and as mature as ever here, and it looks like he finally got rid of that malfunctioning space bar. ~ Andy Kellman