Precious little has been heard from sharp-suited charmer Alexander O'Neal since his last sultry hit Criticise, way back in 1987. Listening to this smooth, satisfying comeback, however, it sounds as if he's never been away. On Saga Of A Married Man the Minneapolis soul man puts his trademark silken vocals to work on a string of uptempo funk numbers, each one more macho and suggestive than the last. Only on a handful of regretful ballads does O'Neal suggest that age has given him any new perspectives on the dating game, urging lovers to stay faithful to each other and bemoaning the trauma brought about by extra-marital affairs. While experienced O'Neal watchers may find this change of heart a trifle unconvincing, it's hard not to feel at least a little affection for such a charming, sliver-tongued old rogue.
