The-Dream

I’m really excited to have the opportunity to share with you this new album from Def Jam’s latest R&B star, The-Dream. To be honest, I was initially a little skeptical of how successful this man would end up turning out. Yes, he wrote “Umbrella” for Rihanna and “Bed” for J. Holiday–both #1 Hits, I should add–but would his vocals and production be strong enough to produce a respectable R&B album? Initially, I wasn’t sure, but after one listen to LOVE/HATE, I am sure The-Dream achieved just that: a refreshing, almost revolutionary Pop&B album that we’ll still be playing years from now.

Favorite Tracks: “Livin’ A Lie” Feat. Rihanna, “Playin’ In Her Hair,” “Nikki,” and “I Luv Your Girl.” Oh yeah, how could I forget about “Shawty Is Da Sh*!”?

Grade: 4/5. Props to Dream for initiating a brand new music genre, “Electronic R&B.” Not sure I’m feeling “Mama,” “Ditch That,” or “She Needs My Love.” They’ll probably grow on me, though.

Listen: The-Dream- “Shawty Is Da Sh*!” (Feat. Fabolous):

Listen: The-Dream- “I Luv Your Girl”:

Listen: The-Dream- “Fast Car”:

Listen: The-Dream- “Nikki”:

Listen: The-Dream- “She Needs My Love”:

Listen: The-Dream- “Falsetto”:

Listen: The-Dream- “Playin’ In Her Hair”:

Listen: The-Dream- “Purple Kisses”:

Listen: The-Dream- “Ditch That…”:

Listen: The-Dream- “Luv Songs”:

Listen: The-Dream- “Livin’ A Lie” (Feat. Rihanna):

Listen: The-Dream- “Mama”:

Check out The-Dream on his Myspace page for more information. LOVE/HATE hits stores next Tuesday, December 11, 2007. Be sure to cop it online or at your local record store!