Better

Brian McKnight is a virtuoso of effortlessly romantic odes to everlasting love and commitment. But on Better, he delivers an ‘80s synth-rock detour in “Can’t Take It"—strutting rhythm guitar blended with warm keyboard hum—and a fiery power ballad on “Just Enough”, where he sips on some liquid courage before asking someone to dance. Of course, this crooner can't stay away from timeless soul ballads completely. Check the summery jazz-pop of “Uh Oh Feeling” and “Like I Do”, where he pledges to uphold a lifelong relationship over flickering piano.