• Record Label: Jive
  • Release Date: Jan 15, 2008
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Had he been born a few decades earlier, he could have been a major pop sales force. For now, he'll have to settle for making music that transcends today's commercial rules.
  2. This is a significant improvement over "The Love Experience" in every respect--somehow displaying an increase in both modesty and ambition, as well as offering a more refined yet bolder set of material.
  3. DeVaughan simultaneously sounds like every soul singer who has raised bumps on your arms and none of them at all, which is to say he's an artist no matter what banner he flies.
  4. On his sophomore album, the Washington, D.C., native offers a flawless blend of serene, soulful music with emotion-filled lyrics about his love, respect and appreciation for women.
  5. After his 2005 debut, DeVaughn ups the ante with a sprawling effort that works as a showcase for his lush vocals.
  6. Vibe
    80
    Finally the loverman is back. [Mar 2008, p.100]
  7. Love Behind the Melody may not get the commercial love that those artists get (DeVaughn’s image isn’t as flashy), but this is an album that certainly deserves to be mentioned alongside the best work of those artists.
  8. More often, though, Mr. DeVaughn borrows judiciously from Prince, Marvin Gaye and others, relying on his voice to keep the songs on track. Even when he’s promising to “shut the club down,” his delivery promises something calmer and sweeter than a wild night out.
  9. The about-face may be a turn off for the “neo-soul” crowd, but it also represents a confident stride toward individualism.

Awards & Rankings

User Score
8.3

Universal acclaim- based on 7 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. SherilleW.
    Apr 9, 2008
    9
    Raheem's album is a breath of fresh air. It is a tribute to the timeless artists that have come before him while simultaneously offering Raheem's album is a breath of fresh air. It is a tribute to the timeless artists that have come before him while simultaneously offering something completely original and soothing. It is as if he provides the fix that us music junkies have been longing for. Hand's down... Raheem is the sh*t! Full Review »
  2. JoyceC.
    Mar 27, 2008
    7
    I recommend it. It's not the best album around but it sure has a fine melody with some good messages.
  3. JaredC.
    Mar 27, 2008
    3
    Raheem DeVaughn's Love Behind The Melody certainly begins wonderful, then goes downhill after the second song and just is dull and Raheem DeVaughn's Love Behind The Melody certainly begins wonderful, then goes downhill after the second song and just is dull and awfully beated music to listen to. I have a good taste in music, and this one has no taste. All it does good is that the message Raheem delivers in each song is outragous and enormously brilliant. It sounded like he put a lot of thought into each dull boring song he wrote. It was well worded, but needed more paint to fill in the blank spots. And trust me, this album could've used a hell of a lot more paint to fill in a lot of those obvious blank spots. Full Review »