Musiq House

Along with {|Barry White|} and {|Marvin Gaye|}, the Isley Brothers created the soundtrack for romance in the mid-'70s and early '80s. Ronald Isley's creamy falsetto could easily be mistaken for Al Green, particularly against the background of swirling keyboards found on "For the Love of You (Parts 1 & 2)" and the wailing guitar of "Voyage to Atlantis." Whereas the Isley's interpretation of {|Seals & Crofts|}' "Summer Breeze" made for memorable bedside listening, with its thick-as-molasses bass line, come-hither vocals, and background moaning, "Between the Sheets" became the quintessential quiet storm jam. With the 13 enchanting songs compiled on Love Songs, these masters of seduction show why their music has influenced an army of contemporary R&B lotharios including {|R. Kelly|} and {|Joe|}. Dave Gil de Rubio