He had a hand in co-writing and co-producing every song here. What amazes more than the voice though, is hiss creative dedication to this and all of his projects. Like his dad, the younger LeVert knew when to deliver a subtle caress or a hearty shout, and could even float into a pretty falsetto when he wanted to. It’s the same meat-and-potatoes R&B he’d been serving his public for two decades. In My Songs finds LeVert far from reinventing the wheel. The music here takes on an added poignancy when you realize that it’s the last album of new material you will hear from him.
“In My Songs” is not a tribute, or a quickly cobbled together collection of outtakes it’s a full album of new material the singer had just completed when he passed. Sadly, that voice was silenced last summer when LeVert unexpectedly passed away at the young age of 40. No bells and whistles, just well-crafted songs topped off by that meaty, soulful voice. For almost a decade, usually once a year, Gerald (whether as 1/3 of LeVert, 1/3 of LSG, recording with his dad, the O’Jays’ Eddie LeVert or solo) put out an album of what we affectionately call “grown folks music”. You know that guy at work who’s been at the job for 20 years, doesn’t say much, but puts in an honest effort every day and rarely calls in sick? Gerald LeVert was the R&B world’s version of that guy.