Mr. Soul Attempts a Rocky Move

JOHNNY GILL

“Provocative”

Motown

* * 1/2

If Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding had produced an offspring, he probably would have sounded a lot like Gill. He’s that commandingly soulful, and in his peer group there is no better singer.

One of Gill’s strengths is his ability to convey passion and emotion without resorting to overheated histrionics. He has a dynamism associated with old-school, ‘60s-style soul vocalists, but makes the material seem fresh and strictly ‘90s.

Despite the title, this collection--half ballads and half up-tempo--isn’t very provocative. It doesn’t even feature a standout ballad--strange for an album by someone long hailed as a superb balladeer. Gill seems more determined to prove he can rock with the best of them. The standout track is “The Floor,” a party-till-you-drop dance jam that’s truly infectious.

Gill uses a variety of producers, ranging from Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis to the Atlanta-based LaFace team. While the songs are well-crafted, there’s nothing to match “My, My, My,” Gill’s last hit ballad, on which he emoted in true soul-icon style. All in all, a fairly good effort, but considering the league that Gill seems destined to join, not a great one.