Open Letter

Over the course of two successful CDs, Case has progressed from being an anonymous love man who sounds very much like K-Ci Hailey to a surprisingly sensitive singer with his own take on the often clichéd R&B realm. That sensitivity is in abundance on this solid third effort, which like its singer is tough but tender. Nimbly mixing the thug Romeo's musings on freaky ladies and broken hearts, Open Letter brims with heartfelt introspection, as displayed on the moody, intricately crafted single "Missing You." Yet even when the sweetness flows, there's grit underneath Case's hushed come-ons. Featuring production and songs from Tim & Bob and the always trustworthy Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Open Letter conjures up the romantic wistfulness of those old (and Jam-and-Lewis-produced) Force MD's singles. And that is a very fine thing indeed. --Amy Linden