Things in the Game Done Changed
Fans of R&B; crooner Dave Hollister will notice a new positivity on his third disc,Things in the Game Done Changed. Not that Hollister's previous releases were all darkness and thunder--the Chicago native is first and foremost a romantic. But now, even songs detailing the down side of romance, like "Tell Me Why" (about a tempestuous lover) and "Love Hate Relationship" (the obvious), are thematically rooted in love, or rather, in striving for the perfect love. Hollister finds the elusive emotion elsewhere. "For You" is a tribute to the one who has faithfully stood by him; "I'm Wrong" is an apology so heartfelt, someone should give Hollister flowers; and "Baby Do Those Things" is about, um, well, you get the picture. A small army of producers ensures the mid-tempo grooves are slick and styling, but it's Hollister's creamy vibrato--honed in church and from being a longtime backing singer--that cuts to the heart like a hot knife through butter.--Kim Hughes