The-Dream - 'Love Vs. Money'

Singer-songwriter Terius Nash, better known to most people these days as The-Dream, and best known for his 2007 hit "Shawty is a Ten" (aka "Shawty is the Sh*t") is back with a new album, Love Vs. Money (released in the U.S. on March 10, 2009). And like his debut album, Love/Hate (short for Love Me All Summer, Hate Me All Winter), this album can be divided into two types of songs: pop-oriented, radio-friendly tracks and drama-filled relationship tunes. And on both albums, it's the meaty stuff rather than the lightweight fluff that's the most compelling and worth repeat listening.

When it comes to vocal skills, Dream is something of a lightweight, and is very obviously influenced by two singers, Usher and (especially) R. Kelly. But despite his vocal limitations, he manages to put out some good, catchy songs and decent albums. But again, his best music isn't exemplified by disposable, forgettable tracks like the album's first single, "Rockin' That Sh*t," or the Michael Jackson-ish party song "Walkin' On the Moon," which features Kanye West.

No, the best stuff on the album is the Jerry Springer-like material, such as the title track and "Love Vs. Money Part 2." It's these two songs that carry the album due to their topic (a bad relationship, a stolen love and a broken heart), song production (dark and high-paced, sort of like the theme to a car chase) and Dream's stepping-up of his vocal game (he manages to sound hurt, bitter and sorrowful all at the same time). Two other great tracks are "Fancy," a wistful mid-tempo ballad about a 23-year-old woman who uses men to get the best things in life; and "Sweat It Out," a sexy song where Dream promises to put in work in the bedroom: "Girl, call up Tisha, your beautician, 'cause your hair is gon' need fixin'," he sings. It's these songs that reinforce The-Dream's status as a true artist, not just someone who makes booty-shakin' music.

But of course, there's the obligatory booty-shakin' songs too, most notably "Let Me See the Booty," a horrible crunk bonus track featuring Lil Jon. But "Let Me See the Booty," is the exception rather than the rule; overall, Love Vs. Money's good moments outweigh the bad.