Superhero
Brian McKnight still works his patented platinum midtempo grooves on his sixth album, but here he turns the beat around a bit and mixes it up with some new partners. For strange bedfellows, check out "My Kind of Girl," a collaboration withJustin Timberlake. The teaming of the Prince of Pimple Pop and the veteran R&B; star is a head-scratcher on paper, but it sure sounds sweet as they wrap their voices around a gentle acoustic-tinged track that floats with effortless ease. McKnight, who handles most production, writing, and instrumental chores, rocks out on the title track and throws down withNate Doggon the pulsating "Don't Know Where to Start." It all proves that McKnight can create make-out music for housewives and homeboys alike.--Amy Linden