True to Myself
Like Luther Vandross, Eric Benet (pronounced beh-NAY) is an old-fashioned, romantic soul singer in the vein of Stevie Wonder and Al Green; Benet even includes a sample of Green's "Love and Happiness" in his own song, "More Than Just a Girlfriend." Unlike Vandross, however, Benet has also absorbed the funk-rock moves of Sly Stone, George Clinton and Prince, a connection emphasized by Benet's remake of Stone's, "If You Want Me To Stay." Many have tried, but few have combined these styles as effectively as Benet does on his debut solo album. Benet's tenor purrs with seductive soulfulness, but those vocals are surrounded by rocking wah-wah guitars, beeping synthesizers and funky, on-the-one drum patterns.--Geoffrey Himes