All the Man You Need

by Ed HoganAll the Man You Need was hailed as Will Downing's return to R&B music. Though after a listen, there isn't a huge difference between this album and his R&B/smooth jazz-oriented recordings of the mid- to late '90s; which isn't a bad thing. Though the beats may hit a little harder and there's more adherence to R&B ballad song structure, the focus is still on Downing's warm baritone vocals, soothing production, and good songs. The singer makes fine use of a soaring sample from Noel Pointer's cover of Stevie Wonder's "Superwoman" on the breezy "Share My World." Other highlights are "Real Soon," the Downing/Chante Moore duet "When You Need Me," the snappy, ultra jazzy "Tired Melody," a string-laced cover of Bill Withers' "Grandma's Hands," and the smooth, skirting title track. Fans of Will Downing and adult-oriented R&B music will be thoroughly pleased.