Luther Vandross - I Know (1998)

Friendship, love, nostalgia, and truth are the fertile lyrical ingredients that color the melodic canvas of Vandross's 13th album. A master of R&B vocal phrasing, jazzy composition, and pop string arrangements, Vandross remains on point with standout tunes such as "Keeping My Faith in You," "Are You Using Me?" and "Religion." However, the veteran singer also explores fresh creative paths on which to deliver his rich, trademark vocals. He raises the stakes by going uncharacteristically up-tempo with the inventive "Nights in Harlem," where he recalls festive sentimental memories. The equally spirited "Get It Right" pushes the artist's established aesthetic even further by tapping into subtle but contemporary hip-hop beats and rhymes by budding female rapper Precise. --J.R. Reynolds

...Luther Vandross adds a little hip hop and house flavor to his detectable R7B brew. -- Vibe

...The soothing, string-sweetened arrangements Vandross chooses and his less than scintillating lyrics ... keep him mired squarely in the middle of the road. -- People

[Vandross] adds to his long list of unparalleled ballads with Dream Lover, Now That I Have You and I'm Only Human, an inspired pairing with smoky-voiced jazz diva Cassandra Wilson. -- USA Today

[Vandross] lacks the distinctiveness, the instantly recognizable sound of [R&B's] true heroes.… -- Entertainment Weekly