Time for Love (1992)

Freddie Jackson possesses one of today's more versatile soul baritones, capable of both gritty toughness and crooning smoothness, which enables him to churn out one listenable album after another. Like all his others, Time for Love shows off straightforward readings of erotic promissory notes. The music is seamlessly plush, the writing and arranging never less than competent. But singers like Jackson are at the mercy of their material, and though dreamy melodies like ''I Could Use a Little Love (Right Now)'' suit him well, the lyrics can make him seem like just another lounge lizard: On ''Trouble,'' he actually boasts of the warmth of his Jacuzzi. Except for ''Me & Mrs. Jones,'' the old Billy Paul hit, there's not a song here that conveys real passion. ''Time for Love'' is utilitarian as a soundtrack for seduction. But if you're not in the market, Jackson is best enjoyed one track at a time on the radio.