Kem's "Intimacy: Album III" is filled with satisfying, soul-drenched warm-bath ballads that will please his fan base. The result is a winning fusion of of old-school R&B and contemporary jazz.

He uses his expressive, intimate voice with great intelligence. He is capable of eliciting drama where his contemporaries tend to overdo or undersell. His limitations as a producer and song writer are therefore minimized.

The ethereal, distant quality of his earlier material has given way to something more straightforward and sensual, making the album incidentally more palatable.

"When I'm Loving You" is a fine example with its lush, tropical atmosphere, complete with acoustic guitar tropical and ear-pleasing drum patter. Comparisons to Sade are inevitable. "Can You Feel It" and "Human Touch" continue the pattern, with Kem's voice riding the waves of his busy, seductive melodies.

These songs are built less upon radio-ready hooks and more on grooves, texture and the sincerity of Kem's delivery. That said, the cliched yet well-crafted lead single "Why Would You Stay?" has done well on the airwaves, hitting the top 20 of Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop songs chart. Its overtly romantic quality and distinctly 90s-sounding production reminds of Boyz II Men. "You're On My Mind" follows suit.

Jill Scott adds a shot of caffeine to the gospel-infused "Golden Days" with her inspired preaching, and Maurissa Rose complements Kem beautifully on the inspired "If It's Love," another R&B slow-burn and potential hit. The best track is "A Mother's Love" with its piano-driven, double-edged melody. It's as beautiful as its title.

Sessions for the album took place over a three-year span - this music was clearly and carefully labored over. There are other artists with similar voices and songwriting ability, but "Intimacy: Album III" shows Kem to be a dedicated, passionate musician deserving of his place on the shelf.

Target opened at 8AM, I got there at 8:30 and got the last copy.............need I say more.

Thank goodness Intimacy is here. Like many Kem fans, I've eagerly anticipated this release. I thoroughly appreciate Kem's comments and the use of the word "Album"(as Kem Gratiously Refers to it as). From the opening "Share My Love" to the closing "Golden Days which features Jill Scott" Kem has truly hit a home run with this Album. It has often been said that good things come to those who wait, well I've waited and now, I'm good. Intimacy is loaded with smooth, quiet storm grooves that keeps you feeling well. He continues to remind us of the great Al Jarreau for the right reasons. It continus to be extreemely important thaat we artists like Kem to continue to allow grown folks to hear grown folks music, but grown folks music that is safe for children to enjoy also. I can't wait for his return to Detroit so that my wife and I can enjoy his grooves from a front row seat.

Soul singer Kem's third album "Intimacy: Album III" opens with the lilting Stevie Wonder-esque ballad "When I'm loving you" which sets the tone for much of the CDs 10 tracks; breezy Jazzy songs with superb instrumentation.

"Love never fails" is a splendid falsetto-sung piano ballad, while "Share my life" is guitar-festooned. "Human touch" is a midtempo groove as is the quivering duet with Maurissa Rose "If it's love" which calls to mind Al Green.

"A mother's love" is an almost hymnal piano ode to mothers showcasing his sonorous tenor vocals, with full instrumentation in the final minute and a half. "You're on my mind" is Marvin Gaye-style while closing "Golden days" is Jazzy with slightly askew beats and a fluid poetic recital by Jill Scott urging one on despite obstacles in life. "You can do it" she stresses.

The pace never rises above midtempo (nothing like "I get lifted" From "Album II" for example). This album is a warm and intimate experience.

Did you really even have to question whether this musical genious would deliver for the third time!!! I'd decsribe this latest piece as smooth jazz meets soulfull R&B... But you already knew that. It's evident Kem is a perfectionist and you will thank him for that.

Its feel good music. I absolutely love this cd. It will be in heavy rotation for a long time. Just in time for the fall season..

I don't really have a favorite. I love every song on this cd.... Go Get It!!!