Love & War
In the aftermath of sweeping and topical works byErykah Badu,Alicia Keys, andLauryn Hill, the gauzy peace-and-love/think-of-the-children sentiments sketched out by R&B; singer Jerzee Monet on her aptly titledLove & Wardebut seem positively quaint. True, the Jersey-reared performer gets assists from the Ruff Ryders crew--DMX,Eve, andJa Ruleguest on three tracks--but their contributions are largely cosmetic and unlikely to have much currency among those who'd be interested in this kind of smoothly flowing, adult contemporary release. That said, Monet has a terrific voice--honeyed and silky during the smoochy bits, salty during her sterner messages, and always forefront in the mix. Soulful, doe-eyed ballads like "Work It Out" and "Tonight Is the Night" are ideal after-dark snuggle anthems. Even the topical need a little loving now and again.--Kim Hughes