- reviewed by Chris G

It's the rare album that I've listened to more than once, all the way through. Jamie Foxx's "Unpredictable" is in that selective realm. From start to finish Jamie proves that had he not made big bucks in TV and film he would still be in the VIP section using his voice alone as credentials.

Without a doubt, it is odd to see Jamie Foxx singing these songs live, I'm waiting for him to break into a joke, much less to pick up the CD thinking that it's a serious effort. This isn't the first time that he's recorded an album. In 1994 he made "Peep This" which I didn't bother to check out, with his involvement with "In Living Color" and the Wanda character I was thinking along the lines of Eddie Murphy's "Party All the Time." The sales of the album indicate that I wasn't alone, but we may have been wrong. Jamie has skills. more..

- reviewed by Chris G

It's the rare album that I've listened to more than once, all the way through. Jamie Foxx's "Unpredictable" is in that selective realm. From start to finish Jamie proves that had he not made big bucks in TV and film he would still be in the VIP section using his voice alone as credentials.

Without a doubt, it is odd to see Jamie Foxx singing these songs live, I'm waiting for him to break into a joke, much less to pick up the CD thinking that it's a serious effort. This isn't the first time that he's recorded an album. In 1994 he made "Peep This" which I didn't bother to check out, with his involvement with "In Living Color" and the Wanda character I was thinking along the lines of Eddie Murphy's "Party All the Time." The sales of the album indicate that I wasn't alone, but we may have been wrong. Jamie has skills.

"Unpredictable" featuring Ludacris is the first single off this album. You've heard it every hour on the hour on your radio dial. The catchy hook would've lost all its flavor in the hands of the every day R&B artist. Give Jamie vocal ability a lot of credit for making the song so addictive. His voice is syrupy sweet with just enough heat to make it a soulful affair. It's an impressive way to start the album, but you sit back thinking it can only get worse, it has to, this is Jamie Foxx.

"Warm Bed" and "DJ Play a Love Song" keep you listening but "With You" featuring Snoop and Game comes in with an understated boom that twitches the senses: not just aurally, you start seeing visuals. Am I smoking? Hmm. No, but listening I can see the smoke machine in the club, the drinks in the air, skirts and booties moving, hard partying. All in slow motion, freeze frame, take a picture. When it ends it's like you stepped out of that club and the album kicks into afterparty mode. A good 15 songs that are notable for strong writing, stories that evolve and lyrics that have relevance beyond being threads to support a hook.

The most personal song is "Wish You Were Here" which is dedicated to his grandmother who he credits for making him the person he is today.

The strength of Jamie's voice is undeniable. He never breaks a sweat or forces an emotion. It's like he's not even trying. He sounds so comfortable and natural with it, as if this is what he does on his day job.

With quality production that doesn't overshadow nor used as icing to sweeten horrendous vocals, Jamie Foxx comes through with an album that continues his winning streak in the entertainment business. This could have easily been a disastrous wreck of an album that would've changed the smiles on the faces he sees these days. You know, smirking and whispers instead of the groupie love and the Everybody Loves Jamie breeze that's in the air.

As long as he continues to do these kinds of unpredictable things I've got nothing but love for him. And will continue to hit repeat on the music player.

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