Lip Service

With a deep affection for modern R&B and pop, Richard Elliot and producer/guitarist Paul Brown carry on that tradition with mix of seven originals cowritten by them and band members, as well as a few well-chosen covers. Most effective are the lush opener “Desire”—with its Latin rhythms, ringing chorus, and fine playing from Elliot and Brown. Equally strong are the soft, shimmering title track and the pop-oriented “Givin’ It Up.” Those looking for something steamy can turn to his take on Brian McKnight’s “Anytime” or the slow- to medium-tempo “Sookie Sookie.” Other covers are the nuanced version of Bruno Mars' “When I Was Your Man” and the old-school “Shining Star.”