Entertainment

07:13 AM CST on Tuesday, February 28, 2006

Various artists

B

Madea's Family Reunion Soundtrack

(Motown)

RIDE-OR-DIE CHICK: For all of her tough-lovin' and pistol-packin' ways, the fictitious Southern matriarch Mabel "Madea" Simmons is really a spiritual softie who's down for the fam at any cost. Playwright and producer Tyler Perry's most popular stage character returns in her second feature film with a soundtrack filled with songs stressing love, faith and family ties.

A FAMILY AFFAIR: The soundtrack blends sanctified and secular themes with a deft touch; LL Cool J and Mary Mary are an unexpected duo, but the artists blend surprisingly well on the empowered "We're Gonna Make It." Will Downing's up-tempo groove "I'll Be" is a welcome change of pace, as is the soothing, seductive turn by Kem and Marissa Rose on "Tonight." The inclusion of soul staples such as Al Green's "Love and Happiness" and the O'Jays' "Family Reunion" certainly don't hurt, either.

BOTTOM LINE: Veteran artists such as Rachelle Ferrell, Gerald Levert and Chaka Khan add quiet fire to the mix, but may not register on the radar of younger listeners. Still, Reunion's variety is what will make the collection a valuable one for R&B fans.

Lorrie Irby Jackson