Keith Sweat Keeps Comin’ With Pulsating Hooks

KEITH SWEAT “Keep It Comin’ ”

Elektra * * *

In 1988, singer Keith Sweat fired up the music scene with his new jack swing, a three-way truce between R&B;’s snapping funk, disco’s hammering overdrive and hip-hop’s cut, scratch and mix. Giddy like Motown love, street-wise like B-boy rap, “Make It Last Forever” occupied the No. 1 spot on both the black single and album charts--the first time that had happened in more than 10 years.

The first half (“Dance Floor”) of Sweat’s third album propels his signature catharsis of sex, rhythm and broken hearts over hard-core dance beats. The title track is a slamming primer on new jack swing style featuring Silk’s sleekly perfect background harmonies shimmering against Sweat’s honey-wine leads--guaranteed to send you hunting for the nearest dance hall.

“Spend a Little Time,” equally gut-quickening and densely constructed, counterpoints LL Cool J’s rushed rap against Sweat’s urgent plaints. In “I Really Love You,” Sweat’s edgy tenor snakes in and out of catchy choral hooks and a pumping, Funkadelic-inspired organ.

The second half (“Bedroom”), with five balladic accompaniments to love, pale next to all that hard-rocking sensuality. But Sweat’s intoxicating emotionalism smoothes over the occasional vocal weakness and moist sentiment.