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Jaheim may be the new “Voice of R&B” just like he declares on the first track of his new album Makings of a Man. Jaheim utilizes his soulful Teddy Pendergrass vibe to pump out more contemporary versions of the old school hits that influenced him. He manages a smooth, cool, tender and rough persona simultaneously. His fourth album, Makings of a Man, is sure to be a winner with R&B fans.

The theme throughout the album seems to be the “thug” in Jaheim is now suppressed by a man ready for love. “I’ve lived the life of thug… I’m done,” he croons on Life of a Thug.

“I’m not like what you’ve been used too, I send flowers and I listen too,” are lyrics to win any woman over on Just Don’t Have a Clue. The ladies will be sure to fall for Jaheim’s charming ballads.

The album’s strength, however, lies in great songs like Lonely, She Ain’t You, and I’ve Changed (which features Keyshia Cole). Like Life of a Thug, She Ain’t You features a Motownesque backing track, La-La Means I Love You while the chorus of Lonely does justice to Bobby Womack’s 1981 hit If You Think You're Lonely Now. Jaheim’s ability to take something old and add his own new flare makes any track he sings on irresistible.

Keyshia Cole and Jaheim sound great together while declaring “I’ve changed for you.” One has to wonder though why Jaheim and the Queen of R&B, Mary J. Blige haven’t collaborated yet as well, since he did open up for her a few times during her last tour. Nevertheless, the radio powerhouse Keyshia is the perfect duet mate for this soul man.

It’s no surprise that R. Kelly lent a helping hand on Hush as the track does remind me of Kelly’s “Trapped in the Closet” (only much better and less laughable).

Never and Back Together Again along with Hush stand out as the weaker tracks. Although Never has been released as the first single, the rest of Makings of a Man is far greater. The lyrics are catchy, but the beat is too slow. Jaheim’s smooth voice sounds undeniably mesmerizing on anything he sings however, which makes this album worth listening too through and through.

If you mash together Anthony Hamilton and R. Kelly along with Teddy Pendergrass and Luther Vandross, you’ll get a bright likeness of Jaheim. Bottom line: If you’re looking for a little new school soul that’s a little rough around the edges, check out Makings of a Man, Jaheim’s strongest collection of songs yet.