by Stephen Thomas ErlewineOn their second album of the '90s, the Isley Brothers capitalize on the smooth love ballads epitomized by crooners like Babyface, Keith Sweat, and R. Kelly. Since all three of those artists were influenced by the Isleys' classic '70s records, they were willing to come on board to produce and co-write Mission to Please. The new blood reinvigorates the Isleys, and the album is one of their strongest efforts of the latter part of their career. Mission to Please is devoted to the group's sensual side -- it's all ballads, no funk. And that's not a bad thing at all. Ronald still has a smoldering, seductive voice and Ernie is such a gifted, sympathetic guitarist that he can pull magic out of pedestrian material. Thankfully, he doesn't need to prove the truth in that statement on Mission to Please. The majority of the songs on the album are first-rate '90s contemporary R&B, and those that aren't quite as strong make for pleasing filler. As a result, Mission to Please is a testament to the talents of not only the Isley Brothers, but also their far-reaching influence -- they are fortunate to have given inspiration to such gifted songwriters and musicians as the aforementioned Babyface, R. Kelly, and Keith Sweat.