On his fifth studio album, Chapter V, Trey Songz displays the soaring vocal ability, charisma and sex appeal that have made him one of the top five male singers in urban music today. But the album also showcases the inconsistency that's also marked his career. Just like every Trey album that's come before this one, Chapter V, which was released in the U.S. Aug. 21, 2012, has some absolutely brilliant moments, like the sexually-drenched "Dive In," the break-up song "Heart Attack," and even the mildly offensive party song "2 Reasons." But the album's top heavy: the first nine or 10 songs are eargasmic, but about halfway through the 18 songs here (20 on the deluxe version), it spirals slightly downward as the songs become more formulaic.
Emotion-Filled
If you were compiling a list of the top male stars in R&B today, it would likely be headed up by R. Kelly and Usher, followed perhaps by Ne-Yo, if you consider him a full-fledged R&B artist. But right behind them would be Trey Songz, who through talent and hard work has become one of the more popular singers in urban music. And there's a lot to like about him: good looks, personality and most importantly, a strong, distinctive singing voice. All these are on display on many of the songs on Chapter V, with some of the better examples of his prowess being the opening three tracks: a title track/opening interlude, plus two sexually-charged songs, "Dive In" and "Panty Wetter." On the R. Kelly-esque 'Dive In," Trey uses suggestive metaphors to equate lovemaking to taking a swim. "I'm about to dive in, baby girl hold your breath, we about to get so we swimming in your body, let me dive in, you know ain't no runnin' 'round this pool, goin' under just for you," he sings. And on "Panty Wetter," an ode to spontaneous sex, Trey sings highly suggestive lyrics like "You ain't gotta take 'em off, just put 'em to the side, don't you try to run girl, ain't no place to hide."
But although sex jams are Trey's bread and butter, his repertoire isn't limited to them. On one of the album's standout tracks, "Heart Attack," he sings about how love can be a real pain -- literally. "I never knew love would feel like a heart attack and it's killing me," he sings. "It's killing me, I swear I never cried so much, 'cause I never knew love would hurt this f*ckin' bad, worst pain that I ever had." This is easily one of the more emotion-filled, compelling songs of his career.
But although sex jams are Trey's bread and butter, his repertoire isn't limited to them. On one of the album's standout tracks, "Heart Attack," he sings about how love can be a real pain -- literally. "I never knew love would feel like a heart attack and it's killing me," he sings. "It's killing me, I swear I never cried so much, 'cause I never knew love would hurt this f*ckin' bad, worst pain that I ever had." This is easily one of the more emotion-filled, compelling songs of his career.
Peaks and Valleys
And on "2 Reasons," featuring the rapper T.I., Trey lets it be known that he can still be found partying in the club on occasion. The song, which is probably the album's catchiest tune, is also the most controversial, since on the uncensored version, he repeatedly refers to women as "bitches," as in "I only came here for 2 reasons, I can't lie, the bitches and the drinks, bitches and the drinks." Even though n interviews, Trey has said he's using the 'b' word in the empowering sense in the song, it's still disconcerting to hear a male singer throw the term around so gleefully and casually, especially a singer who's been more than eager in the past to showcase his caring, sensitive side.
But although the album's first half is packed with potential radio singles ("Pretty Girl's Lie" and "Don't Be Scared," which features Rick Ross also deserve special mention), the second half has a healthy share of mediocre, cliche mid-tempo songs about cheating lovers, bad relationships, true love and heartbreak. You know -- the same stuff we've all heard since the early days of R&B. The difference here though, is that there's no new twist or unique perspective here to breathe new life into the age-old material. That said, through all the peaks and valleys, the album has more than enough high points to keep any devoted Trey fan happy.
But although the album's first half is packed with potential radio singles ("Pretty Girl's Lie" and "Don't Be Scared," which features Rick Ross also deserve special mention), the second half has a healthy share of mediocre, cliche mid-tempo songs about cheating lovers, bad relationships, true love and heartbreak. You know -- the same stuff we've all heard since the early days of R&B. The difference here though, is that there's no new twist or unique perspective here to breathe new life into the age-old material. That said, through all the peaks and valleys, the album has more than enough high points to keep any devoted Trey fan happy.