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*** JOHNNY GILL, “Let’s Get the Mood Right,” Motown. Gill is in full effect on several rugged, R&B; torch jams. Like Babyface and R. Kelly, the New Edition member has the emotional depth and vocal agility to be considered a leader in his field.

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Albums and other items in the Gift Guide are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).