Great comment Sean (and you have me pegged pretty good). Honestly, I guess I just expected more out of The-Dream here. Maybe I should take Jack’s advice and pay more attention to Drake and less attention to The-Dream.

PMA reader with your tastes.

While I think you are absolutely correct about ‘Sweat it out’ whose poetic chorus of ‘Sweat it out/Sweat it out/Sweat it out’ follows ‘Put it down’ whose equally complex chorus goes a little like this – ‘Put it down/Put it down/Put it down.’ I realize this isn’t going to astound anyone.

The ‘mess of beats’ of track 7,8, and 9 though are one of the highlights on the album. I’m not a hardcore R&B listener. I thought Usher’s last album would serve better as a Frisbee. But, I have two axioms.
One, don’t say anything wrong about D’Angelo…ever.
Two, if the beat is blasting me nice, I won’t complain.

I think those are the general R&B principles. If you are looking for depth – check Drake who is going to blow it out big this year.

“I don’t think much can be expected, lyrically, from artists like The-Dream or R.Kelly anymore–it’s about the production, and how much you can talk about sticking it in a girl without being censored..and I think they’re doing just that.”

Wow, I wouldn’t find better words for the genre than these. That’s exactly true and it’s become an art.

But I have to say, Jeff, I think you should take a listen to his first effort “Love/Hate” and realize that all the corny-ness is just his style. The one liners, recycled beats, its all him. And while I do agree he needs a new drum kit (I think I heard the backtrack J. Holiday’s “Bed” on 4 other songs), there are a FEW decent songs on here. You didn’t mention “Rockin’ That S**t,” which is clearly rather catchy with the synth and horn-sounding instruments taking over the song. For the few times I’ve turned on the radio this year, that song has been played each time. You should check out Jamie Foxx’s cover/remix of the song, it’s not bad.

“Take You Home to My Mama” isn’t as good, but its uplifting and catchy, and pretty funny, as well. I don’t think much can be expected, lyrically, from artists like The-Dream or R.Kelly anymore–it’s about the production, and how much you can talk about sticking it in a girl without being censored..and I think they’re doing just that.

“Mr. Yeah” isn’t that bad, either–in fact, I could hear this one on the radio, as well. (Don’t worry, I think we can agree that just because it sounds good on the radio does not make it good music–but lets face it, this is who he’s producing for.) The bass in the background and the “I’ll be in it like a preacher in the pulpit” are enough for me to enjoy the song, and even laugh at it.

The “Love vs. Money” tracks are a little disappointing for me. Dream said we should expect another “Nikki” or “She Needs my Love” on this album and that’s what I was looking forward to. I think “Love vs. Money” is what he was talking about, but it doesn’t live up to the hype. The production is a little scatter-brained–too many sounds and drums at once–but still impressive. You’ve gotta give him some credit.

Unfortunately, I don’t think “Love vs. Money” is for the PMA crowd. (Is there a crowd? Maybe not–but those listening to MPP or Manners will more than likely not appreciate something from The-Dream, except maybe myself.) I still appreciate your review, I was actually laughing and picturing this indie-loving white guy trying to stomach an R&B album. Nice Job.

HAHA! I’m listening to the album on the player. It’s definitely not my style.

Me, I’m somewhere between this and Tiny Mix Tape’s 4.5/5.
http://www.tinymixtapes.com/The-Dream

This just comes off as an attack. Just a little.