The Family Stand - Connected (1998)

Years after attempting to take the urban R&B world by storm, the Family Stand returned in 1998 with Connected. Peter Lord and Jeffrey Smith have added a new vocalist, Jacci McGhee, who fits right into the group's retro-soul. The band excels at classy soul and funk, sounding like a hybrid of Sly Stone, Prince, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder. When they try to push their limits a bit too far, they collapse under their own ambition, be it lyrical or musical, but at its best, Connected is well-constructed contemporary soul that shows more craft and heart than many efforts in a similar vein. © Stephen Thomas Erlewine