Review: R&B artists highlight 'Think Like a Man'

STACY A. ANDERSON
In this CD cover image released by Epic Records, the soundtrack, for "Think Like a Man," is shown. (AP Photo/Epic Records)

Various artists, "Think Like a Man: Music From & Inspired By The Film" (Epic Records)

Much like the upcoming movie, the soundtrack to "Think Like A Man" is tale of how the opposite sexes view love, courting and relationships. The album is a set of R&B and hip-hop-influenced tracks by veteran artists and industry newcomers.

The lead single, which shares the movie's title, is a danceable mash up of the sassy Jennifer Hudson, debonair Ne-Yo and gritty rapper Rick Ross. John Legend is unusually cocky, but still smooth, on the midtempo "Tonight (Best You Ever Had)" featuring rapper Ludacris. Legend boasts that his talents will leave both his lover craving for a cigarette and with a broken bed.

Despite the presence of those established hitmakers, new artists perform the most notable songs on the soundtrack.

"Won't Make A Fool Out of You" by "X Factor" alum Marcus Canty sounds like an old-school, 1990s slow jam with soulful vocals over bluesy keys and heavy bass. Canty sings he's "not a perfect man, but baby give me the chance and my heart will be all yours."

Ne-Yo's protégé ReVaughn sings of her bad luck with unfaithful men in "Same Ol BS." Her song includes a portion of the 1970s hit "I Miss You," by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, evoking the classic's same distressed, pained emotion.

Brandon Hines— who's been eye candy in music videos for Estelle and Dondria— seduces his love with his "high grade, top shelf kind of love" and promises to bring the action in the sultry jam "Fire."

The soundtrack features upbeat club bangers "Shake That Jelly" by Billy Wes and "Motion Picture" by Atlanta rapper Future. Kelly Rowland and Keri Hilson also make appearances on the album.

The soundtrack also includes a couple of classics: "Never Too Much" by Luther Vandross and "That's The Way of The World" by Earth, Wind and Fire.

CHECK OUT THIS TRACK: The remake of Michael Jackson's "Baby Be Mine" by Danish duo Quadron is a dreamy love ode with syrupy, sweet vocals in their slowed-down, poetic interpretation.