The past decade has not been easy for El (né Eldra) DeBarge, the former Motown family-band star whose recurring drug troubles finally led him to prison in 2008. Now a renewed-looking 49, the singer addresses that turmoil on the frankly confessional Second Chance, his first album since 1994 — but because his ethereal vocals still shimmer so effortlessly, plush adult-soul jams like ''How Can You Love Me'' and ''When I See You'' (the latter co-written by Babyface) end up sounding surprisingly serene. It’s the year’s most elegant tell-all. B+
Download These:
Harmony-drenched Joyful at amazon.com
Faith Evans duet Lay With You at amazon.com
