Lionel Richie as a member of the Commodores is known best for songs such as "Brick House" (which was remade with Richie and Rob Zombie) and "2 Times The Lady". As a solo artist Richie had numerous hits throughout the late 70s and most of the 80s. Lionel Richie in his peak of popularity was a centerpiece of the MTV lineup and singlehandedly revived the late night radio scene known as The Quiet Storm. Throughout the 90s Richie remained active and refused to turn his back on the Funk and R&B style of music that he was used to performing resulting in a decline in mainstream popularity.


I will be reviewing Richie's 2006 album Coming Home. This was one of the only albums I pre-ordered last year based simply on Richie's previous work and the confirmed producers and writers on the album. Featuring writing from Jermaine Dupri and Wycelf Jean, the album also sports an A-List team of production ; Stargate, Dallas Austin, Rodney Jerkins, and many more. Not to mention even Michael Jackson's nephew makes a vocal appearance.

The album is a very solid attempt by Lionel to update his style into more radio friendly material. A feat he accomplishes with ease. Tracks like the single "I Call It Love" ft. Taj Jackson could have easily been featured on an album by Ne-Yo while the upbeat "All Around The World" captures the energy of reggeaton and mixes it seamlessly with Richie's smooth R&B vocals.

Final Verdict - I'm obviously biased to the oldies, but Lionel is one of the few artists able to reinvent themselves without losing what made them your favorites to begin with.