Product Reviews
Through the release of his third album, 2009 s Ready, Trey Songz appeared to be an up-and-comer poised for top-tier R&B stardom. A fast succession of three Top Ten R&B singles later, that promise was fulfilled. Rather than squeeze every drop from Ready and take a break or open a clothing boutique, Trey chose to build on his momentum. The week Passion, Pain & Pleasure was released, he was on the R&B chart in six forms, whether as a lead or featured artist, and two of those slots were occupied by his own new singles. The shamelessly mindless Bottoms Up, a thematic sequel to Say Ahh that features Nicki Minaj, was already in the Top Ten, and the hushed Mario Winans collaboration Can t Be Friends, one of 2010's finest ballads, had touched the Top 30. The remainder of Passion, Pain & Pleasure likewise does not stray very far from Ready. After all, only a year separates their release dates, and they are both dominated by Troy Taylor productions. The early singles highlight Passion s first half, which also features the classy pleader Please Return My Call and playfully libidinous bedroom ballads like Massage and Love Faces. The album s back half doesn t boast an outlandish moment like I Invented Sex, either, but it is the strongest, most varied side of a Trey Songz album, just about flawless. It smoothly shifts through several moods. The opulent slow jam Red Lipstick rivals anything in a similar mode produced or recorded by the-Dream. Throughout the in-heat Doorbell, Trey rides lapping/swaying percussion with impressive agility. The sparse, chilling Unfortunate is the most affecting post-808s & Heartbreak song yet, wounded and spiteful without coming across as hateful. Blind, a somber narrative, demonstrates how Trey -- who, for all his lyrical boasting, displays considerable vocal aptitude without flaunting it -- is as comfortable in front of a band as he is over a beat. ~ Andy Kellman, Rovi
Product Notes
2010 release, Trey Songz' highly anticipated follow-up to 2009's smash, Ready. From the bouncy first single, 'Bottoms Up' (featuring Nicki Minaj) to the driving, Rock-infused 'Blind', the album sees the Virginia-based R&B superstar energized and evolving as he continues to refine his mastery of sultry, soulful songcraft.