You’ve got to feel at least a little sorry for poor will.i.am. First, he produces two generally respected Black Eyed Peas albums that increase the group’s public profile exactly zilch, then he sells out just a little bit with some “Where Is the Love?” and some “My Humps,” and suddenly he’s Public Enemy No. 1 in hip-hop (okay, maybe No. 2).

So what does he do on his first post-stardom solo album, Songs About Girls, but record 13 great songs with excellent productions and serviceable rapping that aren’t sell-outs at all (okay, we’ll pardon “I Got It from My Mama”).

Now, where does that get him? Number 38 on Billboard’s album chart so far. Anyway, give this record some attention, even though you might not want to, because it is one of the best R&B albums of the year (or at least a contender in the Most Surprisingly Good category).

• “Heartbreaker” (sample)
• “Over” (sample)
• “Impatient” (sample)