Landing On a Hundred

A decade after his debut, The Headphone Masterpiece, Cody ChesnuTT refines his blend of old-school R&B and hip-hop attitude on Landing on a Hundred. Here, the Atlanta native sheds his bad-boy persona for a more mature outlook without losing his lyrical wit or musical daring. Partially recorded at Memphis’ legendary Royal Studios, the album often suggests Al Green, Curtis Mayfield, and (especially) Marvin Gaye in various combinations. More importantly, ChesnuTT asserts himself as a highly individual singer/songwriter as he acknowledges his past sins while expressing gratitude and faith. Tracks like “’Till I Met Thee,” “Everybody’s Brother," and “Love Is More Than a Wedding Day” are sweetly melodic excursions carried by his smoothly emotive vocals. The brooding “Don’t Follow Me” offers a cautionary tale, while the slinky “What Kind of Cool” and the urgent “Under the Spell of the Handout” take on social issues without preachiness. Punchy horns, billowing strings, and propulsive bass lines render the album’s crisp funk lines and melodic balladry with consistent excellence.