Brian McKnight - Superhero (2001)

R&B crooner Brian McKnight dropped his fifth studio release, Superhero, in 2001. The recording essentially offers up the same romantic and sensitive mid-tempo R&B love songs McKnight has become famous for. However, there are some choice departures by McKnight, reflecting his adventurous side. The title track is a steady and strong (gasp!) rock song, complete with electric guitars and driven percussion; it is slightly reminiscent of a (gentler) Living Colour style. The generally soft McKnight should venture into the rock arena more often, as he wears this hat well. McKnight also plays a wailing solo on the song to boot. Nice job. Elsewhere, the bonus track, "Groovin' Tonight," is a bouncing R&B jam with flows courtesy of Nate Dogg and backing vocals by McKnight. This is fun stuff. Returning to McKnight's standard fare, "My Kind of Girl," featuring 'N Sync's Justin Timberlake, is a sweet, breezy number, centered around light acoustic guitar playing, an instrument most fans don't associate with McKnight, who is generally shown behind the keys. The winning combination of the two singers' smooth vocals adds to the song's airy appeal. While the album is not groundbreaking, it does show consistency and growth by the talented McKnight. Is it super? No. Worthy? Yes. -- Liana Jonas