“The languorous yet infectious beat and girl-watching theme of lead single “Girls Around the World” (a top 15 R&B hit featuring labelmate Lil Wayne) reflect the overall direction of “Lessons in Love.” This is an unabashed look at love’s various facets by a maturing singer/songwriter who has come a long way since his start in the 2000 preteen group N-Toon. Sporting a smooth tenor reminiscent of a younger Michael Jackson, Lloyd works it to the max on such single-worthy rhythmic tracks and ballads as “Treat U Good,” “Lose Your Love” and “I’m Wit It.” But he momentarily stumbles on the derivative, R. Kelly-esque “Year of the Lover” (”Don’t make plans for dinner/I’m a put you up on a stove/And take off all your clothes/Girl, watch me cook”). Such slip-ups aside, Lloyd still serves up a satisfying sophomore suite. —Gail Mitchell”
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