Personnel: Gerald Levert (vocals, percussion); Eddie Levert Sr. (vocals); Darrell "Delite" Allamby (various instruments, background vocals); Tony Nicholas (guitar, keyboards, drum programming, sequencer); Butch Bonner (guitar); Igor Szwec, Emma Kummrow, Charlene Parker Jr. (violin); Davis Barnett (viola); Jennie Lorenzo (cello); Niles McKinney (Wurlitzer organ); Dwayne Moore (bass guitar); Eric Byous (drums); Gordon Chambers, A.G. Thomas, Mike City, Troy Taylor, Chanell Jones (background vocals); Trey Songz, The Levert Kids.

As a member of the O'Jays, Gerald Levert's father, Eddie, was no stranger to social commentary, often taking a break from their confectionery songs of love and loss to issue strong statements on the state of the world. With DO I SPEAK FOR THE WORLD, Gerald reveals similar inclinations. While his ninth album is certainly amply stocked with sweet songs of seduction, it opens with much sharp-tongued analysis of weighty manners, going so far as to invite scholar-commentators Cornel West and Tavis Smiley for their input on a poetic interlude.

On the inspirational, soul-searching opening track "Intro/Speak for the World," Levert supplies a wonderfully vulnerable take on a long list of issues on his mind, from the dangers around the world to his own moments of self-doubt. The striking "Crucify Me" follows, exposing a complex philosophy as Levert, a performer at the 2004 Democratic Convention, examines everything from school prayer to questionable wars. However, while Levert's heart is certainly poured into his political musings, his lover's notions are not ignored, as DO I SPEAK FOR THE WORLD contains plenty of tender, doleful ballads ("Better to Talk It Out") and hearty pleas ("Lay You Down"), providing a beautifully balanced record.

Vibe (p.84) - 3 discs out of 5 - "Levert is still an R&B workhorse that most ponies in the love-song game can't keep up with."