Off The Hook | Computer Music

If you're after a brief history of US R&B over the last five years or so, then this is the place to come. And if you can ignore the toe curling title, there's much here to enjoy. Though there are some drum loops and guitars spread over the two CDs, we're pretty much in construction kit territory here and things start in fairly saccharine fashion. Some of the kits do sound a little dated and set the cheesometer peaking in the red, but the more upbeat entries bear a closer resemblance to what's around right now. The drums, synths, keys and guitars are well played and programmed throughout, and the bpms and keys are all listed. Very smooth - if a little safe and overtly commercial.