As Barry's opulent vowels ooze onto paper it becomes clear this is an autobiography with added action. Written in association with Marc Eliot, a seasoned showbiz author of titles on Springsteen and Disney, Love Unlimited unveils not just the life but the philosophy behind it. The essence of each of the 11 chapters is captured in a carefully chosen Barry White verse, followed by an inimitable, italicised, sultry lesson in love; how to find it, cherish it, keep it, make it last forever. While this oh-so-smooth tone may overwhelm less demonstrative palates, Barry's fans will love them: there's not much room for disappointed in the Barry White story either.

Born and raised in South-central LA, White fathered a son at 16 and joined his brother in gang violence until a spell in detention quietened him down considerably. Salvation finally came in the shape of music (appendices feature discographies for solo work and his alternative projects, Love Unlimitedand The Love Unlimed Orchestra). That the bulk of information given is centred in pre-celebrity days, and features close relationships rather than industry faces, is telling. In print, White is keen to demonstrate old-time values and family priorities instead of the Casanova qualities one might otherwise have expected.

Despite its silky sheen of charm, Love Unlimited is ultimately a sincere book. It'll also do his success no harm with the ladies ... Heyyy! --Helen Lamont