And Then…

Released in late 2003, And Then... arrived as Joe's fifth studio album, solidifying his status as one of the most consistent balladeers in R&B. Coming off the massive success of My Name Is Joe, this record saw him refining his signature blend of acoustic instrumentation and hip-hop soul. Notably, the album features production and guest appearances from the G-Unit camp, specifically on the hit 'Ride Wit U,' which successfully integrated Joe into the dominant East Coast rap sound of the time without compromising his sophisticated image. The album is characterized by its mid-tempo 'jeep' beats and heavy use of acoustic guitar, a stylistic choice that set Joe apart from peers who relied more heavily on synthesizers. Critics noted the album's high production values and Joe's vocal maturity, often citing it as a quintessential example of early 2000s adult contemporary R&B.