Kemistry

Detroiter Kem Owens landed a five-album deal with Motown, and it's plain to see in the talent on display throughout his debut, Kemistry, why the label was attracted to him. Another reason why he was snapped up has to be for the lack of development that talent requires — here, he arrives as fully formed as a label can hope for. Not only does Kem write, arrange, and produce all of his material, but he plays keyboards and also sings in a comforting, non-flashy manner. He isn't anxious to let you know he has a four-octave range. In fact, he's at the top of his game when his words of devotion and faith are gently wrapped around skeletal and hushed arrangements. He knows his strengths and never out-steps his boundaries, delivering a consistent, mature cross of R&B and jazz.