album chart the very same week, the genre proved itself more than muscle-bound eye candy for a nation that can't get enough of D'Angelo's abs.

At times Jaheim's husky croon comes so close to its model that Ghetto Love suggests a Pendergrass remix album. Overseen by Jaheim's mentor, Kaygee of Naughty by Nature, the hip-hop influence on the album goes beyond the lengthy between-song skits: Even its ballads rely more on buzzwords and slick samples than tunes: "Looking for Love" consists of two chords and dubious demonstrations of dedication ("Coulda bounced on you, girl/But your ass is too fine"). Only on the title track's singalong chorus does melody triumph over marketing.

A former Ginuwine background singer, Tank wouldn't seem to be a serious artist of anything beyond barbells at first glance. Yet Force of Nature comes packed with more unexpected hooks than a round with Mike Tyson. Tank's narrative flow rivals the sharpest MCs, and his rhythms suggest everything from salsa to Kraftwerk. Even when he lays on the jealous-paramour cliches of "Kill 4 You," Tank orchestrates a surprise ending that subverts not only his song but obsessive R&B in general. This brawn isn't without brains. (RS 868 -- May 10, 2001)

BARRY WALTERS