Celebrated as having one of the most significant musical careers to date, The Isley Brothers featuring Ronald Isley A.K.A. Mr. Biggs’ latest musical venture, ‘Baby Makin’ Music,’ is a solid release focused on embracing a new style without abandoning the original. Comprised of slow to mid-tempo tunes, ‘Baby Makin’ Music’ is a clear-cut display of what comes natural to the Isley’s— love and seduction.

Those familiar with the Ohio natives’ music know that romance and funk go hand in hand, but on their newest endeavor up-tempo party numbers take a backseat to sultry ballads. Perhaps surprisingly present, Ernie Isley’s rousing guitar riffs enhance the album’s overall appeal evoking memorable guitar solos from the seminal ‘3+3’ album.

“You’re My Star.” a fitting opener, is a groovy track that seamlessly blends Ronald Isley’s smooth vocal stylings with step-clap drums reminiscent of the late Jay Dee’s work in Slum Village. Combining Curtis Mayfield’s “Makings of You” recorded by Gladys Knight and the Pips to Isley’s musings add to the feel good nature of the song.

The first single, “Just Came Here to Chill,” co-written by famed songwriters Gordon Chambers and Troy Taylor along with Ronald Isley does an excellent job of merging Ron Isley with Mr. Biggs by taking on the subject matter of the latter while retaining the essence and adlibs of the former. What develops is a song that appeals to the soul of an older generation while speaking to the ears of a younger one.

Continuing their ongoing musical partnership established in 1996 with “Down Low (Nobody Has To Know),” Ron Isley and R. Kelly join forces once more with “Blast Off.” What’s so refreshing about this duet is how both artists’ signature musical approaches are beautifully displayed without diminishing the appeal or exhausting the idea of the Isley/Kelly collaboration.

‘Baby Makin’ Music’s most straightforward production efforts explore love ballads using simple compositions that bring your ear back to what makes baby makin’ music: passionate words. The results are “Heaven Hooked Us Up” and “You Helped Me Write This Song.”

While the Isley Brothers’ sound has continued to adapt to current popular musical demands for nearly fifty years, their appeal is very much alive in “Baby Makin’ Music.” Reinterpreting songs of yearning and devotion for lovers past and present has always been the Isley’s recipe for success and with this new release we’re ready for seconds.