Write Me Back (Deluxe Version)

R. Kelly's newest is a collection of soul and R&B throwbacks that doesn't always cut it production-wise but does feature some brilliant singing. And when you're talking R. Kelly albums, that counts for a lot.

With 2010’s Love Letter, R. Kelly dove headfirst into soul music of the ’50s and ’60s. It was a weird turn for a guy who made his name singing about hotel after-parties and thongs, but it worked. The record went gold and received overwhelmingly positive critical reviews, most of which praised Kelly’s singing and…

It’s hard to know whether to read Write Me Back as a detour, a retreat or an act of self-preservation, but it is an immaculate album of smooth, grown man soul.

Check out our album review of Artist's Write Me Back on Rolling Stone.com.

Don’t be shocked if this all turns out to be nothing more than a Pied Piper act.

R. Kelly - Write Me Back review: Love is you and me, together, for eternity