Review: R&B artists highlight 'Think Like a Man'

Various artists, "Think Like a Man: Music From & Inspired By The Film" (Epic Records)

Much like the upcoming movie, the soundtrack to "Think Like A Man" is tale of how the opposite sexes view love, courting and relationships. The album is a set of R&B and hip-hop-influenced tracks by veteran artists and industry newcomers.

The lead single, which shares the movie's title, is a danceable mash up of the sassy Jennifer Hudson, debonair Ne-Yo and gritty rapper Rick Ross. John Legend is unusually cocky, but still smooth, on the midtempo "Tonight (Best You Ever Had)" featuring rapper Ludacris. Legend boasts that his talents will leave both his lover craving for a cigarette and with a broken bed.

Despite the presence of those established hitmakers, new artists perform the most notable songs on the soundtrack.

"Won't Make A Fool Out of You" by "X Factor" alum Marcus Canty sounds like an old-school, 1990s slow jam with soulful vocals over bluesy keys and heavy bass. Canty sings he's "not a perfect man, but baby give me the chance and my heart will be all yours."

Ne-Yo's protigi ReVaughn sings of her bad luck with unfaithful men in "Same Ol BS." Her song includes a portion of the 1970s hit "I Miss You," by Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, evoking the classic's same distressed, pained emotion.

Brandon Hines- who's been eye candy in music videos for Estelle and Dondria- seduces his love with his "high grade, top shelf kind of love" and promises to bring the action in the sultry jam "Fire."

The soundtrack features upbeat club bangers "Shake That Jelly" by Billy Wes and "Motion Picture" by Atlanta rapper Future. Kelly Rowland and Keri Hilson also make appearances on the album.

The soundtrack also includes a couple of classics: "Never Too Much" by Luther Vandross and "That's The Way of The World" by Earth, Wind and Fire.

CHECK OUT THIS TRACK: The remake of Michael Jackson's "Baby Be Mine" by Danish duo Quadron is a dreamy love ode with syrupy, sweet vocals in their slowed-down, poetic interpretation.

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