Meter

Issue date: 4/13/09 Section: Arts & Culture

The-Dream

The-Dream
Love vs. Money
Grade: B+

Singer/songwriter Terius "The-Dream" Nash takes listeners on another journey with his new album Love vs. Money, which is the follow-up to his 2007 debut album, Love/Hate.

His first single, Rockin' That Thang is a definite club banger and radio favorite.

Nash is known for reproducing chart toppers including Rihanna's single Umbrella in 2007, and Beyoncé's number one single Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It) in 2008.

The-Dream and longtime production partner Christopher "Tricky" Stewart joined forces to create another batch of hits for his highly-anticipated sophomore effort.

The album falls right in line with the theme and production of his first album, featuring all-star collaborations and singles that are guaranteed radio favorites.

Nash takes the stage and croons about taking a trip to space offering to circle the stars and bring down clouds for his significant other on the funky track Walkin' On The Moon with tight flows and brilliant metaphors from Kanye West.

He doesn't forget to profess his love and affection alongside labelmate Mariah Carey on the lovey dovey My Love, touching on the same content as the track Playin' In Her Hair from his debut album, Love/Hate.

The track Put It Down has a beat reminiscent of J. Holiday's 2007 hit, Bed, but Nash is still successful in getting his point across, reassuring his girl he'll be on her "like a white tee on a thug."

In the piano-driven ballad Fancy, he describes a girl as "the dream of a billion men" who loves the luxurious lifestyle, taking expensive trips and wearing nothing but the finest designers.

Nash warns his lover to call up her beautician after taking a nightcap in the R. Kelly-like track Sweat It Out, promising that her hair can be fixed after their late night rendezvous.

He brags about taking a girl home in Take U Home 2 My Mama, but all is put to a halt in Love vs. Money, regretting giving his lover more of his money than his love and care.

Nash goes from a melancholy mood to bitter and revengeful in Love vs. Money Part 2 singing, "When love is the problem, money can't solve it."

Meanwhile, love, deception and heartbreak is mentioned in the heart-wrenching ballad, Right Side of My Brain helps keep consistency in the theme of the album.

Nash's versatility and ingenious mind is reminiscent of R. Kelly during 1990s and early 2000s, and coincidently he pays tribute to one of R.Kelly's most popular albums to-date in the bedroom track, titled Kelly's 12 Play.

The made-for-club Let Me See The Booty featuring fellow Atlanta native Lil Jon has a catchy beat and lyrics, but is still reminiscent of the 2003-2004 era of crunk music.

Perhaps it is safe to say Nash is his own brand. With unique vocals, extraordinary songwriting ability, and superb production skills, Nash's sophomore effort is sure to be a definite crowd pleaser.

Thanks to his brilliance in writing songs for heavy hitters Mariah Carey and Beyoncé, both divas have claimed top spots on Billboard charts.

He is a force to be reckoned with he will definitely be on the list of entertainers to remember for years to come.•

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