On Tuesdays, we’ll take a look at some new releases for the week, including a spotlight review. Kicking things off is Chicago soul man, R. Kelly.

R. Kelly, “Write Me Back”

With his 2010 “Love Letter” album, R. Kelly proved that he could shelve the salacious bedroom chatter that highlight so many of his songs in favor of something a bit more meaningful, like, say, love.

The album, which was nominated for a Grammy for best R&B album this year but lost to Chris Brown, showcased a genuine affection for classic soul music and Kelly is savvy enough to stick with that direction for now (his promised return to raunchiness, “Black Panties,” is on hold until next year).

On “Write Me Back,” available today, he slides from the slick groove of “Feelin’ Single” to the Smokey Robinson/Motown vibe of “Fool for You” with effortless grace. His voice naturally fits these giddy love songs, many of which lean back to the ‘70s for their influence – “Love Is” could have been performed by Tavares back in the day, while “Party Jumpin’” wouldn’t have sounded out of place on the “Grease” soundtrack.

With few exceptions, these 16 songs float on airy melodies and sound as if they were crafted by someone with an authentic appreciation of music, not a singer looking to score a cheap and easy radio hit.

Kelly has a busy summer ahead, as his work on the “Sparkle” soundtrack will be released July 31 (he produced “Celebrate,” the uptempo duet between Whitney Houston and Jordin Sparks). But first, take a few weeks to feast on the poolside summer jams he’s offering on “Write Me Back.”

Also available today:

• Everclear, “Invisible Stars,” the band’s first album in six years, released in time for the Summerland tour with Sugar Ray, Gin Blossoms, Lit and Marcy Playground (July 13 at Chastain).

• Casey Abrams, “Casey Abrams,” the bearded fellow with a penchant for infusing vapid pop songs with a growly, bluesy edge on “American Idol” in 2011.

• Joe Jackson, “The Duke,” a tribute to Duke Ellington that features a guest appearance from Sharon Jones.

• Maroon 5, “Overexposed” – hard to believe it’s only the band’s fourth album in a decade since they seem to be omnipresent…unlike that “Payphone” Adam Levine sings about so fondly on the album’s first single.

• Linkin Park, “Living Things,” which the band says returns them to a more “familiar sound.” Rick Rubin and LP’s Mike Shinoda handled production, as they did on the band’s last two albums.

• Jerry Douglas, “Traveler,” the 14th album from the dobro master which features guest appearances from Eric Clapton, Mumford & Sons, Paul Simon and frequent band mates, Alison Krauss and Union Station.

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By Melissa Ruggieri, Atlanta Music Scene