Dedicated as ever to synthesizing and replicating R&B-rooted sounds of the '50s and early '60s, probably won't be recording retro-new jack swing in the 2030s. Prior to the release of his third album, he did cover a song released during the decade in which he was born, 's "Smooth Operator," but his version was pure 1963, the backing akin to a slinking, swampy fusion of and . On , likewise presents some chronological distortions that go beyond his throwback approach, like when he sings of "Playin' 'T.B. Sheets' on heavy repeat" on "Stanyan Street," a furtive shuffle conceived to resemble something that pre-dates 's solo debut by a few years. Less of a stretch is a tumbling version of 's "Baby, I'm in the Mood for You," a song that first reached the public in 1965 through 's recording. For the most part, this is a refinement of 's stylist approach. All of the songs are solidly written and played, and the enjoyment of them is dependent on the listener's valuing of expertise and skill over creativity. Vocally, remains as spirited as he is studious, crooning and belting at all the appropriate moments with a little bit of swagger. One aspect that differentiates this album from the two prior full-lengths is the greater latitude granted to the band. Organist and tenor saxophonist are among the several musicians who take solos on nine of the ten cuts. "Stanyan Street" alone takes eight minutes to unfold with its four soloists. Not a measure of it is wasted. also allows space for kindred on "Katchi," a raunchy, borderline cartoonish romp. ~ Andy Kellman