Unlike fellow R&B powerhouses like R. Kelly and Usher, Avant doesn?t have a patented sound. Each track on his third album, ?Private Room? sounds unique, and fortunately do not blend together.

The hit single, ?Read Your Mind,? is an encouraging glance into the life of Avant, and a great representation of what Avant is all about. A lot of the topics on the album deal with love.

?AV? combines Avant?s indulgent voice with some off-beat mellow lines in the chorus, almost like a battle with himself. ?Have Some Fun? does just that, where Avant seems to just let whatever comes out, come out, but on a tacky backing beat.

The album is not brilliant, as there is nothing that really makes you take a step back. He takes a neo-soul approach at tackling R&B songs, and the power in his voice often is held back. However, his voice is comforting, and maybe the album doesn?t need an over-the-top performance when Avant is most comfortable taking a simpler approach.

3.5*
Geffen/Universal






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