Donell Jones - Where I Wanna Be

While the industry might be holding its collective breath waiting for the release of the next D'Angelo CD (current ETA: mid-March 2003), some of us have gotten on with our lives. Of course the reason we fiend for Mr. D is because he doesn't sound like your run-of-the-mill soul smoothie, and flashes of uniqueness are what keeps R&B fans from slitting their throats in frustration over the current ho-hum state of affairs. Enter singer-songwriter Donell Jones, whose second effort asks the question "What makes a hit?" The answer is his single "U Know What's Up": hooks upon hooks, a catchy melody, and a sexy but low-key vibe, put together in a way that's more than just retro-trendy. The rest of the Where I Wanna Be is classy and idiosyncratic without being too artsy--a perfect buy if you need a break from all the preening and smoke blowing that's all too common. --Amy Linden