This came out in 2003 – or at least that’s when I got it. Here’s what I said about it back then (with some minor editing):
Whatever you think of R. Kelly, there’s not getting around this: Borrowing the title of his new album Chocolate Factory from Willy Wonka has gotta be the most self-delusional, self-destructive move since Michael Jackson decided to be interviewed holding hands with a teenage boy. Way to proclaim your innocence, guys.
Granted, boudoir balladeer Kelly (as always) sings his butt off and his heart out on these 17 smooth-groovin’ hip-hop and soul-pop ballads. But (again as always) his relentless seduction and lewd horndoggery are as offputting as unwanted porn-site e-mail. And his predeliction for addressing women as “girl” and “baby” — especially in repulsive lines like, “Girl, please let me stick my key in your ignition … Have you ever driven a stick, baby?” — is hardly going to help his rep any. Whatever else he’s guilty of, he’s clearly criminally stupid.
