Music review: Babyface – 鈥橰eturn of the Tender Lover鈥�
Love seems to always be in the air whenever Babyface is around.
Kenny 鈥淏abyface鈥� Edmonds returns with an uplifting release securely focused on commitment, passion, devotion and unconditional love. 鈥淩eturn of the Tender Lover鈥� is a passionate continuation of Babyface鈥檚 1989 release that featured seductive hits like 鈥淭ender Lover,鈥� 鈥淲hip Appeal鈥� and 鈥淪oon as I Get Home.鈥�
The 11-time Grammy Award winner, who has written and produced memorable songs over the years for artists such as Madonna, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Mariah Carey, Beyonce, Janet Jackson and Michael Jackson, offers up an old-school R&B style perfect for romancing and slow dancing with the one you love. After being mildly disappointed with his collaboration with Toni Braxton for 2014鈥檚 鈥淟ove, Marriage & Divorce,鈥� Babyface leaves little doubt that he鈥檚 head over heels in love and dedicated to keeping the passion burning. 鈥淲e鈥檝e Got Love鈥� is an infectious number featuring a Kenny G vibe that melodically supports Babyface鈥檚 smooth testimonial about a strong love conquering all obstacles. Babyface is willing to battle through the difficult times on 鈥淔ight for Love鈥� while proclaiming how lucky he is to have the love and support of someone who is his sunshine all day and night on 鈥淓xceptional.鈥�
El DeBarge makes a guest appearance with Babyface on the light and breezy 鈥淲alking on Air鈥� and the soulful 鈥淚 Want You鈥� carries an Earth, Wind & Fire spirit with backing vocals provided by After 7.
鈥淥ur Love鈥� tenderly closes the album with the 56-year-old singer, songwriter and producer declaring the strength of his love by singing, 鈥淓ven if the world ends/Our love will still be around.鈥� What partner鈥檚 heart wouldn鈥檛 melt at the mention of these words at just the perfect moment?
Babyface鈥檚 love and life-affirming arrangements are an inspiration to couples everywhere doing their best every day to keep love alive. Dim the lights, light a fire in the fireplace, pour two glasses of wine and let these tracks serve as the perfect soundtrack to an evening of displaying your love and devotion to the person who means the world to you.
Clint Rhodes is the 缅北禁地 music reviewer. He can be reached at crhodes@heraldstandard.com.