Album Review: Intimacy: Album III by Kem

All the subtle variations on Kem’s sound -- his exceptionally smooth adult contemporary R&B, modern quiet storm that has earned the singer two gold-selling albums -- add up to a set that doesn’t sound like a mere rehash of his past successes. While Intimacy features his familiar gentle, less-is-more touch throughout, it’s more forwardly sensual -- skillfully so, without being too brash or overt for his audience -- and upfront all-around, from the romantic material to the odes to mothers and inner peace. On Kemistry and Album II, there often was a slight distance to Kem’s voice, both sonically and lyrically, but there is no such air of mystery here.

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Get comfortable, turn the lights low, and let Kem tell you how just much he loves and/or misses you. The arrangements on his third LP embody the title’s Intimacy, complementing his honeyed vocals with gentle acoustic strumming, soft taps on a snare drum, and occasional understated keyboard and brass lines. Cynics may carp that the album would benefit from a touch more variety, but if you’re in the right mood, you won’t mind.

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