For those of you who only know Chico DeBarge as a drug trafficker who spent six years in prison, or as Janet Jackson's ex-brother-in-law, think again, because Chico has picked up his final pieces in his third album, "Free." His musical talent is of no surprise coming from the DeBarge family but here, the youngest brother has surpassed himself and deserves some individual recognition.This is his first album since he left Motown Records and started his independent label, Alove Entertainment. The result-well, he has written and produced it all on his own and come up with an album that is making the big labels bite their lip. He's put the Neo back in Soul, which had become just as gimmicky and formulated as R&B. Actually, his sophomoric album, "The Game," was just that. His catchy duets with Joe and Trina were tailor-made for the radio audience and Chico at the time, was no more soulful than Usher and Tyrese. This album, in comparison, is a soul masterpiece, with perceptive lyrics, beautiful arrangements and tasteful sensuality.

The album opens with "It's Cool," which features his famous staccato singing. It is a lighthearted song with playful lyrics. It is not one of the better songs on the album but it is a familiar Chico sound that will make his old fans slightly nostalgic.

However, the album really kicks off on the following title track. It comes close to a capella, with Chico's voice and one lone guitar strumming in the background. When he sings the phrase, "Live your life be happy / Spread your wings be free," you can hear the sound of wings in the background. The freedom that he is singing about can be interpreted in numerous ways: his freedom from prison, his freedom to make his own music and express himself. The simplicity of the lyrics and the melody is actually what makes the song all the more extraordinary.

This song is immediately followed by "Smile," a lovely duet with Shayla Bryant. This is the kind of song you would want to wake up to on a Sunday morning. Unfortunately, the song is only three minutes long and leaves you longing for more.

"The Unloved" is a very melancholy song that is reminiscent of old George Michael songs. "Am I the great pretender, a king without a throne, a crown/ I'm just a heart to injure, another temple to tear down." Chico experiments with a lot of sound effects in this song, using the sound of water bubbles to signify emotional drowning and distant drum beats to sound like a heart beating.

"Style" has an irresistible jazzy vibe, featuring sporadic keyboard ad libs and finger snapping. Lyrically it is a modern version of Billy Joel's "Just The Way You Are," where instead of saying "I don't need clever conversation," he sings, "You arouse me mentally," making the song a little more mature and sensual.

"Home Alone" is the standout track that boasts his Maxwell-esque falsetto. It speeds things up again and makes the rest of the album fly by.

If any of you had lost hope in recent soul music, pick this up and give your Stevie Wonder CD a break. This album explores the deep abyss of soul and makes for great background music that belongs on the front of your shelf. Hint: Brandeis men, this might not be your usual spin but your ladies will like this.