The '70s are alive and well on Sleepy Brown's lush, funk-driven songs. With a smooth, sexy voice that will make your legs quake and a look pilfered from Isaac Hayes' wardrobe, Brown--alias Patrick Brown--has carved out a niche for himself as a talented soul and R&B performer that takes the best qualities of his influences and gives them a new spin.Brown got his start in the mid- to late-'90s working with Organized Noise, an Atlanta-based production team that made a name for itself working with major Atlanta outfits like OutKast and Goodie Mob. They also produced massive hits like TLC's Waterfalls, and En Vogue's Can't Let Go (Love).While they attempted a few original albums, they mostly stayed in the studio, behind the scenes. Sleepy Brown broke away to guest appear on a few songs (like Big Boi's The Way You Move). But in 2006, he embarked on a solo career, releasing his debut album, Mr. Brown. A glance at the cover and you'll know where Brown is coming from. The massive bubble-letter font that was so popular in the '70s is appropriate here to great effect, but you don't see it as well as you hear it. On Brown's 13 tracks, he summons the spirit of Curtis Mayfield, Sly and the Family Stone, Parliament and other greats of the soul and funk movement.I'm Soul, the opening track, is an ode to the soul sound that Brown clearly loves so much. Anyone who's ever dusted off those oldies but goodies from the '70s will be able to hear their influence on Brown's excellent music, and will return to this record over and over again. Though it's proven to be Brown's only full-length solo outing, hopefully it won't be his last.