Chocolate Factory

Overview

With the relatively libido-light Chocolate Factory, the sex scandal–beleaguered R. Kelly is obviously trying to woo back his predominantly female fan base. Given that the disc debuted at No. 1, it appears that his sugar-and-spice ploy has worked. Although allegations that Kelly had sex with underage girls still loom over the gifted-yet-troubled singer's head, on Chocolate Factory, he certainly redeems himself as an artist. Unlike his previous discs -- most notably the booty call–driven 12 Play and its lascivious sequel, TP2.com --Chocolate Factory finds Kelly waxing poetic about the beauty, patience, and virtue of women. There's the earnest "Heart of a Woman," which he dedicates "to all of the ladies from all of the men, simply because y'all go through so much," and the melodic tribute to his wife, "Forever More." Vocally, Kelly has also matured. On the sparse, percussive groove "You Knock Me Out," the self-proclaimed "pied piper of R&B" sounds like a modern-day Marvin Gaye, and the bluesy "You Made Me Love You," is obviously Al Green inspired. What R. Kelly record, however, would be complete without some naughty to balance the nice? In the tradition of "You Remind Me of Something," on "Ignition" he once again likens the feminine anatomy to automotive parts, and Kelly and Ronald "Mr. Biggs" Isley continue their lyrical rivalry on the testosterone-fueled "Showdown." While Chocolate Factory is arguably the Chicago native's finest album to date, until Kelly reconciles his personal issues, the success is bittersweet.