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Curtis with Devon’s CD and a glass of wine.

R&B artist, Devon Howard makes a smooth entrance with his latest album, Return To Love.  An artist of consistency with pure strong vocals and harmonious melodies, Devon does not fail to deliver on a sound that has resonated with his listeners through the years.  Seductive grooves and sensual musicality provide warmth to the album while the lyrics keep you interested.

Opening the 13-song set with Could This Be Love, Devon desperately questions if true love has really arrived over swimming harmonies with a certain confidence in his voice that proves steady throughout the album.  One of the highlights is a song called I Need You in which case Devon pleads his case that he needs his love interest even when it hurts.  He promises to stay through it all with lyrics that complement the flow of the music.  Colorful harmonies carry the chorus for Deeper Than Love, perfect for a slow dance.  Angelic vocals and well written lyrics lead to a nice vulnerability towards the song’s end.  For You is passionate and direct � perfect for making love to.  Devon explains his needs and observations through the verses while he professes through the chorus (which I enjoy) what he wants to do.

Michael Jackson’s influence can be heard throughout the album, but very much so on the track, Fall In Love.  From the first note to the sweet breeze of the chorus, Michael’s spirit shines through.  The harmonies are pure with a flowing melody.  Devon takes the tone down a little in To The Moon.   A warmth embraces the listener for the journey, but breathes a higher note in the chorus.  Saying Goodbye is a beautifully written song of letting go.  Devon’s vocals really express an emotional ending.  With a breathtaking chorus, it’s also musically and melodically sweet.  I love how the music allows the vocals to lead.  “If I never see you again it’ll be okay,� is a powerfully sweet line from the song.  Other Side of the Bed has Devon coming to terms of a missed love.  Desperation is heard which is almost equivalent to a “missing you� love letter.

I love the sensuality of Devon’s voice in Back To Paradise.  The opening chords are inviting and sustained by a funky yet smooth beat.  The chorus is comfortable, and one of the highlights of this song are the ba dap dap dadums towards the end.  A club mix of the song ends the entire album with an infectious dance beat.  Like the original, this track is perfect to roll through the night with your lover with the top down.  The breakdown of it is nice as well.  T.Y.C.O or Take Your Clothes Off has a sexy beat, lusty vocals and lyrics. In my opinion, it makes the perfect honeymoon song.  The female vocal feature is blissful.  Another stand out song is Feel You Breathe featuring a duet with Jada Davis.  Her vocals, pure and strong, provide a perfect blend with Devon to deliver a touching piece that soothes the eardrums.  The “oooohhhsss� heard throughout the song are mesmerizing.

Lastly, I’ll Be There, not to be confused with Michael Jackson’s, although with elemental qualities of a very young Jackson has a simple beat and flowing accompaniment.  The chorus has Devon promising to be there whenever lost or in pain.

What you won’t be is lost or in pain after listening to the album.  Devon’s Return To Love is real, and I mean really good.  Stand out tracks include Could This Be Love � I Need You � Deeper Than Love � Saying Goodbye � Feel You Breathe � Back To Paradise.

Devon Howard � Return To Love is available at .