The latest from music producer Terius Youngdell Nash, better known by his solo stage name “The-Dream,” has been long awaited with a release date originally slated for July 2011.
But longtime fans of The-Dream should be satisfied with his star-studded new release “IV Play” featuring appearances by Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Big Sean and 2 Chainz, among other industry pals.
If there’s one theme that ties the album together, it’s sex. From the opener with Jay-Z, “High Art” (“I make love...I get high”), to the catchy “Pussy” collaboration with Big Sean and Pusha-T, there’s no subtlety in these tracks.
Sometimes this leads to lines that can be blatantly humorous at times — as is the hook “I love the way you ride...giddy-up, giddy-up, get it up” in “Equestrian” — but then again, not many would say they listen to The-Dream for his lyrical prowess.
The romantic “Where Have You Been” with Kelly Rowland offers a brief respite from this theme, with a beautiful piano backing, harmonies and a classic R&B tale of true love gone awry.
The-Dream delivers the high energy he’s known for in his collaboration tracks, which are the highlight of the album. Left to his own devices, his solo tracks can become a bit flavorless and monotonous, but songs like “Slow it Down” with Fabolous (with whom he collaborated on “Shawty Is Da Sh*t!” in 2007) and “Turnt” with vocals from Beyoncé and better-than-usual rapping from 2 Chainz add some depth to the music.
Those who remember listening to The-Dream in their high school days may recall upbeat anthems like “Rockin’ That Thing” and “I Luv Your Girl,” and while “IV Play” certainly has its fair share of earworms, gone are the days of the late 2000s auto-tune craze. “IV Play” has a decidedly slower, sexier and more soulful feel than previous efforts.
The result is an album that is smooth, polished and worth the wait.
