By now the general consensus is that R. Kelly is consistently on top of the game when it comes to R&B and his production prowess. R's latest attempt is a double CD with 1 disc being dedicated to R&B grooves and the other to inspirational music [not quite gospel but definitely created to uplift & praise]. Due to the extreme differences between the 2 discs I will tackle each 1 separately.

HAPPY PEOPLE

If you've heard the ''Happy People'' single [who hasn't?] then you're pretty much getting more of the same on this disc. This disc is a steppers delight with a couple of ballads thrown in to slow up the tempo and give the steppers out there a rest. What this disc is, more than anything else, is a refreshing change from what seems to pass for R&B nowadays. Suffice it to say the production is superb, with a lot of live instrumentation, solid lyrics & strong vocals. My only gripe is that i wish it had a couple more tracks but since it's part of a 2 disc set I guess can let it slide. [10/10]

U SAVED ME

Now here's the part I was a little concerned about. I'm not the biggest fan of R's inspirational cuts but this disc was actually better than I thought it would be. No traditional gospel cuts here with most of the music sounding like straight R&B joints. At first listen they sound like songs you might hear on your local ''Quiet Storm'' but the inspiration can be found in the lyrics & messages that the songs convey. Production, as usual, is pretty good but where this disc excels is in the the lyrics. [8/10]

Overall the album is pretty good. If you're an R. Kelly fan , then there's no reason to stop now, go ahead & pick this joint up. If you don't like either of his current singles than just skip this one. Truth be told I'll probably be listening to the Happy People disc a lot more than the U Saved Me disc but your mileage may vary.

SonicAmp Rating: 9/10