Thanks to a few inspired collaborations,
To Make Me Who I Am finds
Aaron Neville continuing his streak of solid contemporary R&B albums. Divided between co-written originals by
Neville and covers of professional songwriters like
Babyface and
Diane Warren,
To Make Me Who I Am is filled with strong material, highlighted by two duets with
Linda Ronstadt ("First Time Ever I Saw Your Face," "Please Remember Me"). Longtime fans might find the polished surfaces of the album a bit too slick, but
Neville's singing remains elegant and graceful, helping to push the album past its MOR leanings. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine