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R. Kelly - Happy People/U Saved Me

Leaving his R&B thug persona behind, R. Kelly focuses on the other two distinct sides of his personality on his new double album, “Happy People/U Saved Me.” “Happy People” is singularly focused on casual, good-time stepper’s grooves, and is graced by moments of remarkable jubilance, such as fireside romance “The Greatest Show on Earth” and the magical “Steppin’ Into Heaven.”

Lagging in sections, the inspirational gospel of “U Saved Me” doesn’t shine as brightly, but tracks such as “Leap of Faith” and “Diary of Me” are delivered with impressive passion and conviction. In the midst of massive personal turmoil, Kelly continues to thrive creatively, proving he can side-step just about anything that comes his way. (Detroit News)