Fifteen years is a long time to be planning an album, but singer/songwriter/percussionist Keith Robertson spent a decade and a half working in the background for other artists before finally releasing his long-planned debut album, Love, Life & Relationships. And from the opening notes of the danceable leadoff track "Love U Like Crazy," Robertson shows why he has been an in-demand songwriter for all these years. LL&R is chock full of engaging pop/soul cuts, with a sound reminiscent of the best of 80s soul. Alongside original, accessible cuts such as "Stay" and "Mi Corazon (My Heart), the includes distinct echoes of some of that decade's finest, including Earth Wind & Fire ("Fiesta"), Lionel Richie ("Hola"), Surface ("All That You Have to Be") and Sherrick ("Love U Like Crazy")." But rather than sounding derivative, Love, Life & Relationships simply uses Robertson's influences as the springboard for the creation of an extremely listenable, enjoyable Urban Adult Contemporary album rife with fine compositions. Robertson also effectively counters the tritely sexed-up prose of modern urban radio, blending elements of spiritual and romantic love in his lyrics and expressing his love in the context of his faith and commitment. There's nothing revolutionary about Love, Life & Relationships, but that's okay. A disc that sounds that covers familiar ground with such consistently high quality will always be welcome in my CD player.
by Chris Rizik
