The Dream
"Love vs Money"
Def Jam
myspace.com/thedreamteam


   

AUGUSTA, GA - Thank goodness for The Dream’s (nee Terius Nash) ability to write and produce some of the most hypnotic smashes ever known to mainstream radio.  The self-proclaimed “Radio Killer” has churned out hits for acts such as B2K, Mary J. Blige, Usher, Mariah Carey, Rihanna (most notably “Umbrella”), and J. Holiday (the sultry “Bed”).  After parlaying in the background, The Dream emerged as a solo artist releasing 2007’s “Love Hate (Love Me All Summer/Hate Me All Winter)” which spawned the hits “Shawty Is a 10,” “I Luv Your Girl,” and “Falsetto.” 
    The Dream’s dream of making a body rock has come true through his exceptional songwriting and production work, but if it depended on vocals, then he’d be in big trouble.  Fortunately, having the straight-laced voice of a six-year-old hasn’t hindered the Atlanta, Ga., raised phenom one bit.  The hits are the only thing that matter, and that has completely grabbed listeners by their lobes.
    “Love Vs. Money,” his sophomore album, includes some of the same extravagant production, big synths, sudden vocal injections, and witty lyricism that takes a cue from R. Kelly’s songbooks.  Simply, if it aint broke, The Dream’s not going to fix it.  The first smash, “Rockin’ That Thing,” which by the way for observant ears has the same drumbeat pattern as “Shawty Is a 10,” has wondrous production that eventually allows two-stepping in the club (go ahead and add “Take U Home 2 My Mama” to that list).  “Put It Down” features a scenario in the bedroom that would probably make you giggle instead of making you hot (“I see you’re running through like a track meet, with your baton, saying ‘catch me’ / baby don’t be scared,” he sings.  He’s got a million of them).     
    Ballads dominate the rest of the album, and a few highlights include the slow wines of “Fancy” and “Kelly’s 12 Play.”  Be sure to save a few guffaws for “Let Me See the Booty” featuring Lil’ John.  Although not a breakthrough album in technique or something to be lauded for great vocal work, The Dream still accomplishes his dream:  to make you love the music…thank goodness.