Maybe too much of a good thing

Anthony Hamilton

“Ain’t Nobody Worryin’ ”

(So So Def/Zomba/Arista)

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THIS modern R&B; crooner has little to worry about. As the North Carolina-born songwriter confides on his fourth album (due in stores Tuesday), he’s happily married, God is good, and he’s even mended fences with his biological father.

He also possesses an agile, nigh-on-irresistible, honey-dipped voice recalling such galvanizing greats as Bill Withers and Marvin Gaye and a personal style that gives each syllable a thrilling intimacy. A healthy young male who’s likely to notice the looks and accent of a girl with “Southern Stuff,” he actually values -- gasp! -- a woman’s mind as much as her behind.

Rooted in traditional soul, Hamilton’s music incorporates hip-hop, gospel, old-school funk, even a dash of dancehall with the upbeat “Everybody.” Innovative production emphasizes emotional content, as when the mechanically off-kilter beat of “Where Did It Go Wrong?” creates the sonic illusion of repeatedly snagging his vocals on the thorns of love.

Even his Prince-esque excesses -- most evident in the epic, dark funk of “Preacher’s Daughter” and its midsong sermon flaming with righteous remorse -- don’t derail him. In fact, there’s a visceral satisfaction to getting through that song and on to the serenity of the gentle, glowing spiritual “Pass Me Over.”

He also makes a social statement with the percussively soulful title track but more often stays in the same blissful emotional bag. All the happiness is way too cloying and repetitive, and it’s hard to shake the feeling that he should use his distinctive, compelling voice to convey messages with a deeper impact.

Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent). The albums are already released unless otherwise noted.