The-Dream

The-Dream releases one of the more immediately satisfying R&B albums in recent memory. Along with producer Tricky, the ATL singer-songwriter has crafted a set of lush textures, beautiful melodies and unforgettable hooks. Love Vs Money is playful, sexy and addictive. There's more than a little bit of Prince in the dramatically trashy, mid-80s synths and punchy rhythms, while "Kelly's 12 Play" pays respect to another very obvious influence. There's a sense, though, that The-Dream has ambitions of claiming Kels' title as the King of R&B.