Groove On - Levert, Gerald (CD 1994)

It's installation number two from the solo Gerald Levert. His sophomore release is titled "Groove On" and simply put-that's exactly what Levert accomplishes. Okay so a few of us have always known that Levert gets his "groove on", but now others are taking notice. He is emerging as a prolific songwriter and producer, and if you're not convinced, just check out the artists who are gracing the gates of his Trevel Productions to work with him and co-writer Tony Nicholas. Even though he's generous enough to let others croon some of his "good" compositions, Levert manages to save some for himself for this release. One song in particular, "Let the Juices Flow"- is destined to become this gentlemen's signature song. He repeatedly insists "I ain't trying to be nasty baby" [and he's really not] while explaining the reasons why she should "forget about the kids and what her ex boyfriend did". Truth is, no one asks for sex as classy as Gerald Levert. "Can't Help Myself, could become the perfect urban wedding song." Originally written as the love theme for the ghetto flick "Strapped", Levert delivers this emotional ballad as if he had someone on his mind. Apparently with plenty of lust on his mind, Levert sings "Same Place, Same Time" an updated version of Billy Paul's 1970's hit "Me and Mrs. Jones". Levert's "Have Mercy" is about as blatant as the singer has ever been. To the strains of a violin he sings about just what happens when the right woman unleashes her whip appeal. "How Many Times", his "I'm-a-good-man-but-you-don't-want-me" ballad is a strong candidate for his next hit single. Wrapping up this release are the tracks "Rock Me", "Someone" and "Answering Service". Gerald Levert once again proves that he knows how to write, produce, and sing - while getting his groove on at the same place and the same time.