Sunday, March 15, 2009

The-Dream: Love Vs Money (Review)




The-Dream: Love Vs Money

8.5/10


Okay, we get it now, The-Dream wants you believe that he's the king of love. And on his sophomore album he makes lofty claims against the Cupid himself ("Cupid Aint Got S*** On Me"), and also manages to make an album that is filled with low tempo love anthems such as "Put It Down" and "Sweat It Out", along with his own fusion of R&B-Pop that anyone would be proud to play in their car stereo.

"Single Ladies" writer Dream's sequel to "Love Hate", is surprisingly not that much different in terms of content, though it touts two heavyweight collaborations (Kanye West and Mariah Carey), the album is the summer blockbuster of R&B albums, with a story that is readily accessible to men and women.

The production, handled chiefly by Dream and partner Tricky Stewart, is as unusually catchy as the songs themselves, merging symphonic piano melodies with Portishead-meets Lil'Jon drum patterns. "Rockin That Thing", is perhaps the best marriage of the two, though the six minute "Fancy" is a standout track that has to be heard to be believed.

The star of the album is the cohesion between every song. The-Dream has mastered the art of making an R&B album that even guys can understand, and the "Love Vs Money" two part song opus where Dream exclaims "Stars get their hearts broke too", and the anthemic "Take You Home To My Mama", which speaks for it self.

"Money"s overarching theme is that of the importance of economic wealth over love, though even if, like any other summer blockbuster, you skip the message you'll still have a great time.

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