Throughout On The Jungle Floor, Van Hunt showcases a boatload of additional style compared to his debut. But whose style is it? To date, you will not find a review of Van Hunt that doesn’t immediately mention Prince, Rick James, Sly Stone or Curtis Mayfield. The truth is, Jungle finds Van Hunt still clinging to his influences. This is not inherently a bad thing especially, when Van Hunt executes so well.

Yet, it’s difficult to identify any charting singles on Jungle. “Character” is the one track that most closely resembles the material from his debut. “If I Take You Home (Upon…)” and “Being A Girl” recalls the funky fun of Rick James and Prince. “At The End Of A Slow Dance” is new wave brilliance while R&B programmers would do listeners justice by including “Priest Or Police” in their rotation.

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This album is absolutely amazing with the diversity of music and creative arrangements. Van Hunt’s music often reminds me of old school 1970’s funk R&B, though he never limits himself to that particular sound. He rocks out like a modern day Jimi Hendrix (without the intricate guitar playing) on “Ride, Ride, Ride,” but also shows softer sides on tracks like “Being a Girl.” “If I Take You Home (Upon)” and “Suspicion (She Knows Me Too Well)” make me want to dance to their smooth beats. Actually, most every song just sounds so smooth to me, the kind of music I hear in a low-key party or would play on a long road trip.

It is extremely difficult to put Hunt’s sound into words because it he combines such eclectic tunes with meaningful lyrics, creating a highly addictive sophomore album. This one will not leave my CD player in the next few months that is certain.