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Exactly one month ago (August 21st), a sexy, soulful singer by the name of Trey Songz (actual name: Tremaine Aldon Neverson) released his fifth album, aptly titled Chapter V.
Since his meteoric rise in 2009 with his breakthrough album, Ready, many believed his career would never see such heights again. For those who have counted Trey out, think again.
Chapter V skyrocketed up the Billboard charts, scoring Songz his FIRST number one album on the Billboard 200. I had Chapter V in my CD player from day one and I'm still hooked on it. In my opinion, this album is going to take his career to insurmountable heights. Chapter V manages to cover a wide range of emotions and subject matter while still remaining cohesive, due to majority of the production and/or songwriting by Songz, Troy Taylor, and Najja McDowell
Here is a track by track review *Note: I am omitting the interludes.*
"Dive In"
Well, this sounds like familiar territory, doesn't it? True to his signature sound, Trey jumps Chapter V off with this steamy record about gettin' your Michael Phelps on...and I don't mean in the swimming pool ;) ***5 stars***
"Panty Wetter"
**Pause on the title LOL** Just when you thought the guy who invented sex couldn't get any raunchier, he did. The title explains the subject matter, but what you shouldn't miss is the superb production by Troy Taylor, who heads us the majority of Chapter V. ***4 stars***
"Heart Attack"
From the moment I heard this song, I couldn't get it out of my head. Trey's voice flows effortlessy alongside a heavy R&B beat inflected with signs of pop as he curses the dark side of love. He manages a crossover friendly hit without losing his identity and the results are amazing. ***5 stars***
"Playin' Hard"
I can't lie...as soon as I heard Trey start rapping and the bass-heavy beat dropped, I was sold on this song. A rapper turned singer (yes, I wrote it correctly), Trey has been know to be a serious wordsmith on his infamous mixtapes and hearing him flow on an album is a treat, even though Playing Hard has a semi-stalkerish/bitter undertone. For women, it gives us a realistic view of how a man processes a lost love. ***5 stars***
"2 Reasons"
Trey teams up with rapper T.I., the self-proclaimed King of the South and a heartthrob in his own right, for this club friendly banger. Simply put, these guys only go to the club for two reasons: the "women" (actual word rhymes with witches) and the drinks. Since T.I. and Trey are two of the most intelligent and articulate men in music, people often wonder why they would make a song like 2 Reasons. Here is my explanation: music is a business and this song is extremely catchy, radio-friendly, and truthful. Men do go to the club and its not for the music.....Is it my favorite Trey song? No. But it's all in the name of fun! ***4 stars***
"Hail Mary"
According to Trey, this song was the final one added to the album. He even pushed the date back just for this collaboration with rap heavyweights Young Jeezy and Lil' Wayne. And I completely understand why. The three artists blend their individual musical styles seamlessly in the addictive track. Trey uses football terminology to describe what he can (and will) do in the bedroom while Jeezy and Wayne bring their distinctive flows to the forefront to create a great song. ***5 stars***
"Don't Be Scared"
It looks like talent runs in the family. Trey's younger brother, Alex "A-Wall" Neverson, collaborates with longtime producer Troy Taylor to help write and produce one of the best songs on this CD. As usual, Trey is R&B smooth and lyrically gritty as he lures in a woman with lyrics such as "Imma keep it real a lot of women in my phone; but I'ma be for real you the only one I want". I love the line Trey Songz walks between street and sexy. ***5 stars***
"Pretty Girls Lie"
This song is unique, deep, authentic, and shows a side of Songz that many people to take the time to see. Trey carefully weaves a story about women who have been scarred by life and project their inner pain on unsuspecting victims. His raw and emotional vocals will make you believe that he had encountered a pretty liar or two in his life. ***5 stars***
"Bad Decisions"
Simple yet captivating production by Rico Love provides an excellent backdrop for Trey Songz vocals to take center stage as he laments his philandering ways. Bad Decisions seems to be a rare glimpse into Tremaine Neverson's regrets following "Trigga decisions". In my opinion, this is one of Trey's best songs ever. ***5 stars***
"Forever Yours"
The lyrics are classic Trey: clever and sexy. The production by Norwegian production group Stargate is futuristic and stellar. It's a different sound for Trey Songz, but I'm sure you will have it on repeat. ***4 stars***
"Fumble"
Trey seems to love football analogies. He also seems to get himself into relationship mayhem due to his bad decisions and fumbling of hearts. Typically, there are only so many ways to say "I cheated and I feel stupid for doing it" but Trey takes a fresh spin on the I-did-you-wrong song. And he sounds so good singing it, every woman would be willing to give him a 2nd or 20th chance. He didn't mean it.... ***5 stars***
"Without a Woman"
I love the beginning of this song. Its a vocal tug of war between Trey and Sevyn (former member of short-lived girl group RichGirl) and sets the tone of a melodic ode to the importance of a woman. Without a Woman is reminiscent of old school R&B and has the potential to be a modern day classic. ***5 stars***
"Simply Amazing"
A well known fan of groups like Kings of Leon, Trey steps outside of the R&B world and delivers a sweet ballad toward one lucky lady. To date, this is the largest shift he has made toward the pop realm and he does it effortlessly. Instead of abandoning his signature style, he transfers his soulful sound to this Max Martin production. This song is...well, Simply Amazing. ***5 stars***
"Never Again"
Never Again has all the elements of a perfect Trey song. Trey's flawless falsetto, a upbeat tempo coupled with heavy bass, and great lyrics. It's easy to forget that this is a breakup song when you hear the music, but Trey is indeed singing about yet another love lost on this standout track. This is my favorite song on the album. ***5 Stars***
"Check Me Out"
Uh oh...I feel a 90s Puff Daddy dance coming on! Now know as Diddy, Trey brings the mogul on to this track along with rapper Meek Mill. This song definitely has Diddy's influence ALL over it and we know he has made quite a few smash hits in his time. ***4 stars***
"Chapter V Outro"
Hey! If you listen to Check Me Out all the way through, you will find the full version of the Intro song. All I have to say about this is: why is it hidden?!?!? Trey went in on this track completely and further cemented his status as one of leading men in entertainment. ***4 stars***
This is Trey Songz best album. It's well rounded and well thought out. As a person who has his mixtapes and albums, I can see his growth as an artist and I look forward to his future endeavors.
If you don't have the album, get it. It's worth it!
Love Songz,
T. Amour
