By Victor Trammell

Photo credits: Motown Records

Will Downing, an R&B singer, released “All the Man You Need,” his eighth studio album, on July 18, 2000.

Downing’s comeback to R&B music was heralded on this album. The singer maintains faithfulness to his original approach. However, there is not much of a variation between this album and his R&B/smooth jazz-oriented releases from the mid-to-late ’90s when you pay attention to it.

The emphasis is still on Downing’s signature baritone voice, relaxing production, and strong compositions, despite the drums hitting a little harder and the album adhering closer to R&B ballad song form. On the upbeat “Share My World,” Downing excellently utilizes a surging clip from Noel Pointer’s rendition of Stevie Wonder’s “Superwoman.”

Among the other standout songs on this album are “Real Soon,” the Downing/Chante Moore duet “When You Need Me,” the snappy, ultra-jazzy “Tired Melody,” a string-laced rendition of Bill Withers’ “Grandma’s Hands,” and the album’s mellow, floating title tune.

Will Downing’s musical legacy has been all about satisfying adult theme-oriented R&B music fans.