Strictly for the grown and sexy

With Gemini, Brian McKnight is attempting to show off the more risqué, edgy side of his personality. Listeners are used to the romantic side of McKnight, which produced hits like "Back at One," but now the songs are more sexual in nature. Since this is a more personal album for McKnight, it is appropriately titled with the name of his astrological sign. \nThis record truly showcases McKnight's talents. Most tracks were both produced and written by him, and the wide range of music featured on the album will probably surprise the listener. Jazz, R&B and hip-hop are among the musical styles found here. "Your Song" has a decidedly Motown feel to it. Other cuts have a similarly retro feel, i.e. "Everything I Do" and "Come Back," while another standout includes the attention-grabbing opening track "Stay With Him." These songs are among the best on the album, work well with McKnight's vocal stylings and are a refreshing change of pace from his typical material.\nPredictably, McKnight's first two singles include "What We Do Here," where he talks about a sexual encounter with a fan, and the romantic ballad "Every Time You Go Away," which is reminiscent of his past hits.\nThe album is problematic in that many of its lyrics are weak, and at times even his smooth vocals can't save them, such as on "What We Do Here," where his lyrics remind the listener of the stereotype that artists are promiscuous.\nIncorporating hip-hop into the record definitely gives it an edge and was probably done to make it appealing to youngsters. The track, "Watcha Gonna Do" with Juvenile and Akon is a strange and harsh collaboration which doesn't really gel with the album's generally soft mood. A more successful collaboration is "She" with Talib Kweli; it works better because it's subtle and an easy listen with Kweli's smooth rhymes. His closing track, "Me and You," is moving and spiritual, which seems a little out of place with the rest of the material being either romantic or sexual in nature. \nOverall, Gemini is a pleasing R&B album for those that appreciate old school jams of an adult nature. Longtime fans of McKnight's music should definitely check out his latest effort, but you'll probably find yourself going back to earlier albums.