Private Line – Gerald LeVert

The debut solo release from the Ohio native, Private Line features a nice mixture of songs and spawned four chart singles. The vocal energy Gerald LeVert brings to his songs is revealed in each lyric. The first release was "Private Line." With a locomotive rhythm track and a churnin' horn arrangement, "Private Line" is complemented with a catchy hook. It became a favorite among many, claiming the number one spot on the Billboard R&B charts. The second release was the pop-oriented single "Baby Hold on to Me." This duet, with his father Eddie LeVert, Sr., is a splendidly arranged ballad in which father and son immerse themselves in the lyrics. Like its predecessor, it claimed the number one spot and number 37 on the R&B and pop charts, respectively. The third single was "School Me." With its teacher-student lyrics, the gifted vocalist stays near the top of the charts with this single as well; it peaked at number three after 19 weeks. LeVert's knack for laying down lead and background vocals is demonstrated on this number. As explosive as his baritone is, he is able to inject a smoothness to his delivery; this trait is admirable. The fourth single, "Can You Handle It," has LeVert combining wholesome vocals with contemporary rhythms. It too seized a Top Ten spot at number nine. Every track on this album is as appealing as the next, finding LeVert's vocals are in superb form. ~ Craig Lytle, All Music Guide