Brian McKnight wants you to throw out most of the things you think you know about the multi-platinum singer/songwriter and producer whose enviable record of chart consistency and success in crafting solid Pop/R&B music is unparalleled. The ever-evolving 33-year old Gemini says he's often been pegged as a squeaky clean singer who never makes mistakes or had struggles in his life. McKnight wants his fresh new album U Turn to introduce his fans to his varying moods and sides. "The whole 'nice guy' image has been projected onto me, especially since I was married and had kids," says McKnight. "And part of that is true, but now I want to tell the whole story and not leave things out. Now, my children are older and they sort of understand things a lot more. My relationship with them is very solid- they know they can come to me for anything."

It truly is a new day in the world of the Buffalo, New York native, who has sold more than 15 million albums worldwide, spurred by his 2x platinum album Anytime in 1997, the 3x platinum-selling blockbuster Back At One in 1999, and the gold-certified, Superhero in 2001. U Turn marks the beginning of a "re-birth" of sorts. With new management and the end of his longtime marriage to his college sweetheart, McKnight headed back into the studio to record his eighth album with some very personal issues on his mind. "I put all these songs on here about things that maybe I regret or perhaps wanted to change, especially with the lead single, "Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda" and "Sorry." There are people that have been in my life and aren't now. I ended up being a rolling stone a lot, especially with going through a divorce." The experience reminded McKnight that masculinity has to be tempered with vulnerability: the fantasy of romantic love, balanced with everyday reality.

While his personal changes altered the lyrical fabric of U Turn, the album finds McKnight returning back to the sound which got him started. Compared with his last studio album, his latest LP showcases a re-mixed version of his vintage soul. "Superhero was an artistic reflection," he explains about where he is musically. "As an artist you have to test the water. The biggest thing is that my last three records were very guitar-driven, whereas U Turn is going back to the keyboards. I had not come full circle. Early in my career I was so associated with the piano, then I decided to show other people that I play other instruments. This album, I decided to go back to my roots and play more keys."

In many ways, Brian McKnight has an unfair advantage. His instantly recognizable falsetto has only become stronger and like wine, refined over time. Plus, like few of his fellow male singers, Brian actually plays numerous instruments including the guitar, piano and trumpet. And as he has discovered his voice, Brian's personal honesty has helped him stay connected to his audience.

"With each album, I've given a lot more of myself each time. I almost don't even know who I was on the first record I did when I was 19. In time, I've become a bit more vulnerable because I've lived a little more. Because my life has gone is so many directions, I've just allowed myself to absorb life. And because of that, this is the most personal record I've ever done."

U Turn, which features blazing pairings with Nelly, Tyrese, Tank, Kirk Franklin, Carl Thomas, Fabolous and Joe, is breezy R&B Pop with slick soul. The blast-off first single, "Shoulda, Woulda, Coulda," a tale of love lost, is produced by the Underdogs, an LA team consisting of Harvey Mason Jr. and Damon Thomas. "Every single person out there goes through life and says, 'man if I could change this or that I would.' Unfortunately, that's something you can't do."

But instead of forcing things with his co-stars, the collaborations on U Turn all occurred through real bonds of friendship. The hot-to-death "All Night Long," featuring Nelly, will no doubt be a summer anthem oozing out of car speakers and dominating dance floors in clubs around the world. "I don't look at the charts and say 'let's get with the hottest right now.' It's really a situation where Nelly is a ball player. We played a couple times and became friends. He called me and I worked with the St. Lunatics. I sang on that and he returned the favor. You can't work too hard to make something happen. That's the problem with a lot of stuff you hear on the radio right now."

On "When You Want To Come" and "Backseat (Getting' Down)," Brian reveals the wilder side of relationships. With "Backseat..." I was thinking what if Marvin was alive right now and making records, what would that sound like? On these songs, I'm exploring more of a sensual side than I have in the past."

In recognition of McKnight's accomplishments and place in contemporary music, a crop of new school male R&B stars joined him on the masterful, and soon-to-be historic song, "Good Enough." "It's my attempt at being Quincy Jones," he says about the song, which features Tank, Tyrese, Joe and Carl Thomas. "I wanted to create a 2003 version of "Secret Garden" (which featured the all-star line-up of Barry White, El DeBarge, James Ingram and Al B Sure). "Visually and vocally there is something for every woman on this song. The cool part is that I don't come on [the song] until the bridge, I just enjoyed being the conductor of the whole thing."

Though most of U Turn is produced and performed by McKnight, hip-hop super-producer Rockwilder co-produced the album's title cut "U Turn" featuring rap sensation Fabolous and newcomer Six John. Affirming his church roots and addressing his usually reserved religious beliefs, McKnight is joined by Kirk Franklin on the rousing, "One Of the One's Who Did." According to Brian, the song is based on the book of Revelations in the Bible.

With an arsenal full of timeless music and a sincere connection with legions of multi-cultural fans, Brian McKnight has stood the test of time and proven that he's a versatile, multi-talented superstar whose concerts and albums only contribute to his legend. He's won American Music, Soul Train, NAACP Image and Blockbuster Awards. Additionally, he's received numerous Grammy nominations. Refusing to be boxed in, McKnight has teamed up with a diverse roster of artists such as country music legend Willie Nelson and saxophonist Kenny G. Brian also produced, sang or wrote for the likes of Justin Timberlake, Mariah Carey, N'Sync and many more. Alicia Keys paid McKnight the ultimate homage with her sparkling rendition of his sleeper hit, "Never Felt This Way." His duet "Love Is" with Vanessa Williams was a Top 5 hit. He also continues to produce and write songs for gospel unit Take 6, where his brother Claude is a founding member.

Brian's interests are as diverse as his musical inspirations and tastes. McKnight is an adrenaline junkie who loves the thrill of new experiences. He enjoys scuba and sky diving, and has his own professional basketball team. He's the modern day Renaissance man.

"With the advent of hip-hop, it's been a little more difficult to make it as a singer. I didn't think I would be here this long," says McKnight looking back on his incredible decade-long career. "I just do me; that's all I can do. As a singer who is a songwriter, I believe the key to longevity is great songs. Start with a great song first, and you'll never fail."

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