G

1	Application (I'm Lookin 4 a New Love) 4:08
2	Callin' Me 5:37
3	Nothin' to Somethin' 4:55
4	Strings, Strings 4:55
5	It Hurts Too Much to Stay 5:34
6	Mr. Too Damn Good 4:32
7	She Done Been 4:06
8	Heart Don't 5:01
9	Don't Take It Away 4:52
10	Second Time Around 4:45
11	Misery 5:37
12	Baby U Are 5:19
13	These 7:43

Barnes & Noble

If he were a crooner of lesser regard, Gerald Levert's plea for listeners to say his name on his fourth, solo disc, G, would sound contrived. But for vocals as flawless and as seductive as Levert's, you'll be more than happy to comply. Rather than just collecting a smattering of half-thought-out ideas, every song on G tells a fully developed story. The first track, "Application," finds him looking for more than a hot body -- and his longing for a professional woman with wholesome, middle-class values is an adult response of sorts to Juvenile's "Back That Azz Up." Levert also meticulously incorporates elements of vintage soul with a contemporary flair. On "Baby U Are," Levert doesn't merely borrow the chorus to Bloodstone's classic "Natural High," but weaves the melody of that song into the music. It isn't surprising that Levert is so meticulous. He's the son of Eddie Levert of the legendary O'Jays, so his musical roots run deep. And on G, Levert shows that he's a lover man who wants you to think as well as to feel. Martin Johnson

All Music Guide

Not one to remain stagnant or rely on past successes, Gerald Levert explores his vocal abilities on this set more than he has on past efforts. Outside producer Darrell Allamby captains the CD's first three tracks and stretches Gerald's voice; Allamby has him reaching for notes and provides fresh rhythms for G's soulful delivery, making the singer more acceptable to less mature ears. Gerald produces the next ten tracks and proves more adventuresome (with his voice) than Allamby by executing "Baby U Are" in falsetto. Allamby's tracks are phat, sure winners with "Application," the stronger but slower "Callin' Me," and "Nothin to Somethin." There's quiet storm fodder galore, including a smoldering duet with Kelly Price and the hitting "Mr. Too Damn Good," written with ex-Rude Boy Joe Little. Andrew Hamilton