The next time someone tries to tell you R. Kelly is not a gifted songwriter, play them his new single, “When A Woman Loves.” His more typical sex-crazed/absurdist/R&B thug shticks can be fun, too — but he’s arguably at his best when he’s penning sweet, sappy love songs like this one.
Check out “When A Woman Loves” after the jump. This could have been a hit 40 or even 50 years ago, easy. And Kelly sings it with real soul and verve. The vocal breakdown that starts around the 3:15 mark is particularly awesome. I love it, cheesy canned brass section and all.
A representative for Jive Records tells EW that “When A Woman Loves” is the first single from an upcoming Kelly project, but confirmed details are scarce beyond that. (According to Rap Radar, it could be from one of three upcoming Kelly albums.) Do you like this tune as much as I do? Excited for Kelly to go back into classic crooner mode?
(Follow the Music Mix on Twitter: @EWMusicMix.)
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‘What A Wonderful World’ songwriter George David Weiss dies at age 89
50 Cent remixes Cee-Lo’s ‘F— You’
Kanye West announces “Good Fridays”: New tunes every weekend ’til Christmas
Lady Gaga is Queen of Twitter: Sorry, Britney!








One of his better songs for sure
I really like the classic feel to it.
this is a great record… beautiful… and every genius requires a bit of insanity
WOW, then I feel sorry for the area you grew up or the culture that was exposed to you because R&B and Hip-Hop influence ALL genres.
Of course it could have been a hit a long time ago…. BECAUSE IT WAS. Patti LaBelle !! Dorks ! Need better researchers and writers there EW !
Kayla: Patti LaBelle did have a song with the same title as this one, but aside from that they are two totally different songs. Did you listen to the song in this post?
It’s a totally different song with different lyrics, DORK!
Need better commenters here, EW.
He’s so revolting, yet talented…and then there’s “Trapped in the Closet”, one of the most astonishingly hilarious pieces of crap on earth.
Beautiful song!
Good song, but R: fork out the 50 bucks to get some kids from the local jazz orchestra to play some REAL horns on this thing!
Dear Sean, Norm and I want to tell you what a beautiful job you did at Kelly Kimble Laffey (our dahutger’s ) wedding..You are not just a photographer but a true artist. Your work is truly amazing, and we can understand why kelly and her husband Mike wanted you there for their special day.The pictures we have seen so far are awesome, and everytime i look at them and listen to the music you put in the background it brings tears to my eyes..You not only captured photos but feelings.Again thank you so much for doing such a great job and the way you made everyone feel so comfortable and we definitely won’t forget you..You definitely made Kelly and Mikes dreams of photographing their wedding come true.. can’t wait to see the finish album..Again thanks from the bottom of our hearts!~!Sue & Norm Goulet ..Parents of Kelly & son in -law Mike Laffey
nobody can question this mans talent with a voice like that, too bad he can be kinda creepy….but i do like this
Great song! There is a lot of feeling. I hope this is a big hit for him.
The world has followed R. Kelly since the scandal but I followed dude since he was with Public Announcement. “Show me some ID before I get deep” was in them lyrics way before the videotape. LOL
Song is good, yeah it’s cheesy but come on, so is Katy Perry and pop is lovin on California Girls.
I hate his issues. But dude sang.
it’s hard to be a fan of anyone that has had the type of legal troubles R.Kelly has had, but the man can write a song.
i have to give credit to anyone who is able to write songs such as “i believe i can fly” and Michael Jackson’s “you are not alone” and at the same time be the songwriter for “24 play”.
R Kelly is a tremendous talent; Simon you’re dead on. Songs like ‘I can’t Sleep’ are beautiful; he really is special….
Seems like everybody’s going back to old school….wonder why? Even Fantasia’s CD is old school. I love it. It just shows that this new school rap stuff is B.S.
But — I’m not liking his vocals.
Why does EW never write about REAL artists like David Alan Coe or Johnny Reb?
uhhh…because no one knows who they are. This is Entertainment Weekly. No one here wants to listen to indie crap that sounds like it was recorded in some garage underwater. Take your suggestions to Spin.
Hands down the king of R&B just did his thing. He has again tryna change the game. No one does it better than him….Simply the best I ever heard.
luv u all kp it up