When one thinks of classic R&B singers with a country flair, chances are it's Ray Charles first, followed perhaps by Joe Tex and Solomon Burke. Jason Allen makes the case for adding Stevie Wonder into the mix with a terrific cover of "I Just Called to Say I Love You." Slowed to a honky-tonk shuffle, it's a novel take on a pop standard. But that doesn't mean The Twighlight Zone is a novelty album by any means.

Allen uses his smooth, silky voice and seemingly limitless range to pay tribute to a variety of inspirations. There are traces of Buddy Holly in opener "I Can't Let You Go," echoes of Roy Orbison in "Lost," even a nod to the big band era on "Dance With Me Baby." But the best of the bunch is "He's Still Dancin' With Her," a straight-up sad country song about a widower dancing by himself, oblivious to all but memories of his lost love (and written in memory of Allen's late mother).

With help from co-producer Tommy Detamore, plus guests like Bobby Flores and Deryl Dodd, Allen has made The Twilight Zone a solid and entertaining glimpse into his roots and inspirations.

Listen:

"I Just Called to Say I Love You"

"I Can't Let You Go"

"Lost"

"He's Still Dancin' With Her"

Buy:

Lone Star Music, Amazon, iTunes