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Music Review: Leslie's new CD is fun, but generic

In this CD cover image released by Universal Motown, Ryan Leslie's "Transition," is shown. (AP Photo/Universal Motown)

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By MESFIN FEKADU, The Associated Press 4:41 PM Monday, November 2, 2009

Nine months after putting out his debut CD to underwhelming response, Ryan Leslie is back, this time, with "Transition."

The transition doesn't refer to his music. Instead, the singer says his sophomore disc was inspired by "a summer of secret love." After that fling ended, the result became "Transition": an 11-track set full of futuristic R&B tunes that finds the 31-year-old R&B-crooner sweet-talking his sweet hopeful.

"I just want a girl that still looks good with no makeup," he sings on the opening track, "Never Gonna Break Up," promising to never break up if he found the one.

Leslie's outpouring of his summer love is enjoyable at times, but the CD's problem is its sound — vocally, lyrically and sonically. Like Leslie's self-titled debut, released in February, it sounds too generic, which is unfortunate, for both him and the listener.

The Harvard-educated musician, who wrote, produced and programmed the entire album, should try working with producers aside from himself.

CHECK THIS TRACK OUT: On "Zodiac," with its video game-sounding beat, Leslie's falsetto is the highlight — of not only the song, but the whole CD.

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November 02, 2009 09:38 PM EST

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