Open Letter

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, <I>Open Letter</I> 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, <I>Open Letter</I> 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. <I>--Amy Linden</I>