The Love Experience

With D'Angelo seeming to have dropped off the musical map, the soul music scene continues its search for the next sexy crooner. Enter Raheem DeVaughn, a 20-something Maryland native who tries to step up to the plate on his Jive debut. Armed with a collection of songs steeped in promises of unconditional adoration ("Believe") and detailing steamy lovemaking sessions ("Breathe"), DeVaughn proves himself a worthy contender. Luckily, he doesn't boast about only his sexual prowess, managing to tackle heavier topics on songs such as "Who" and "Until." Although he stumbles a bit on the awkward rock-influenced "Cadillac," DeVaughn finishes things on a high note with the title track. —Ivory M. Jones