Chicago Winds...The Saga Continues

Chicago Winds is the first first secular album from Dave Hollister in over a decade. The singer not only returns to R&B but keeps his collaborative circle small. Produced and written almost exclusively by past associates Warryn Campbell and Eric Dawkins, it's a solid and consistent release that shows Hollister in top form, singing about relatable, common-man issues with the same level of conviction heard in his best work. No less than half of the songs can contend with the career highlights selected for his 20th Century Masters compilation, and though some longtime fans may miss the streetwise swagger of the earlier work, they can at least respect that Hollister has matured, remains an excellent singer, and isn't trying to be anyone but himself. Even on "Neverland," where the underappreciated Campbell and Dawkins grant him a Princely, early-'80s synth-funk backdrop, Hollister is 100 percent his own artist. The album opens with the mature snap and boom of "Spend the Night" and concludes with a gleaming remix of the same song, courtesy of Blackstreet partner Teddy Riley. Between them, the top highlights are "I'm Different," "Cold," "Wish You Well," and the title track, the last of which features piano and a string arrangement from Jimmy Jam. All of them are down to earth yet stellar.