Even better on a second go

If there was ever a record created to turn a pop singer into a star, it's Brown's sophomore effort. It would be shocking if it doesn't because the set is filled with sharp songs and some of the most creative talents in R&B and hip-hop. Brown's debut was tentative, but it had a few dynamic songs. Now 18, Brown owns these songs instead of seeming like an unsure teen trying to be an adult. Like Britney Spears's new disc, this is very much a producers' record, and they include Jazze Pha, the invaluable Underdogs, and Stargate. But Brown's swagger and style shine through, even though he still sounds whiny when hitting his upper register. The songs swing, and, with all apologies to the Buzzcocks, this could be subtitled "Singles Going Steady" as virtually every track is a potential hit. "Kiss Kiss" will certainly achieve lift-off as T-Pain's keen pop instincts seemingly can do no wrong, but the lucid "Take You Down" should follow. will.i.am's busily produced "Picture Perfect" is a propulsive jam, but he tries to hijack the tune with his vocal turn. "Gimme What You Got" and "Lottery" show how confident Brown has become. Ever-playful Kanye West delivers a tasty throwaway rap on "Down," but Big Boi's cameo on "Hold Up" is half baked. It would be hard for Brown to falter with this kind of support, but he acquits himself by delivering when he needs to. The boy just may have become the man. [Ken Capobianco]

ESSENTIAL "Take You Down"