Love & War

Japanese version featuring a bonus track

In the aftermath of sweeping and topical works by Erykah Badu, Alicia Keys, and Lauryn Hill, the gauzy peace-and-love/think-of-the-children sentiments sketched out by R&B singer Jerzee Monet on her aptly titled Love & War debut seem positively quaint. True, the Jersey-reared performer gets assists from the Ruff Ryders crew--DMX, Eve, and Ja Rule guest on three tracks--but their contributions are largely cosmetic and unlikely to have much currency among those who'd be interested in this kind of smoothly flowing, adult contemporary release. That said, Monet has a terrific voice--honeyed and silky during the smoochy bits, salty during her sterner messages, and always forefront in the mix. Soulful, doe-eyed ballads like "Work It Out" and "Tonight Is the Night" are ideal after-dark snuggle anthems. Even the topical need a little loving now and again. --Kim Hughes