Terius “The-Dream” Nash is not doing anything new, meaning—he’s just sampled the best parts of the old. He’s lifted R. Kelly’s swaggering sensuality and blunt lyricism. He’s scooped Bobby Brown’s affected purr. He’s borrowed Prince’s swooping LinnDrum sound. He’s even jacked the city of Atlanta’s riotous “Ay!” chant and made it an integral part of his songwriting. Since he announced himself a major songwriter with Britney Spears’ 2003 “Me Against The Music” which found the pop star slithering through lines like “The sweat is dripping all over my face.” The-Dream has been able to take those influences and manufacture something immediate and visceral, for stars like Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, J. Holiday and also for himself. On his wonderful debut, 2007’s Love/Hate album, those influences were writ large across 12 songs. On Love vs. Money, despite the R. Kelly shout-out, he is a stronger, less tentative performer.I've been a big fan of The-Dream for a minute now.. ever since i picked up his 1st album, "Love/Hate" popped it in, & kept it on repeat for months. lol(which dropped a little over a year ago) That album i thought was AMAZING, a whole new sound of R&B i've never heard before which featured all kinds of hits such as "shawty is 10," "falsetto," "i luv your girl," "playin in her hair" & much more. That album was basically a CLASSIC compared to today's standards of a modern R&B album. Unfortunately, after all the praise this new "love vs. money" album is getting from fans & even the critics, i honestly don't think it even compares to his debut lp. Don't get it twisted tho, it is a pretty good album. I just felt he played this one safe & kept the same formula from "Love/Hate" to make sure he avoids the infamous "sophomore slump" which he does. lol
standout tracks: Rockin that shit, walkin on the moon, my love, put it down, take u home 2 my mama, right side of my brain, & Mr. Yeah..
Overall: 3.8 of 5
