Trey Songz begins new chapter
Posted on Sep 11, 2012 in Features
“Chapter V” is not a book but it’s definitely a page turner. Trey Songz has been hard at work on his fifth studio album, which landed on store shelves August 21. It’s been almost two years since his last album but with the mix-tapes and EP he dropped while working, it doesn’t seem like he went anywhere. “Chapter V” is Trey’s first number one album in the U.S. and first top ten album in the U.K. His sales were on par with his R&B counterparts Usher, Chris Brown and Frank Ocean.
Trey Songz releases new labum:'Chapter V'. thatgrapejuice.net
Trey put in work on this record. The one thing people are burning to know is, “is it better than Ready?” The answer is no. It is however better than his last effort, “Passion, Pain and Pleasure.” It just doesn’t cover as much of the ground he covered with “Ready.” Most R&B fans would consider “Ready” to be a classic and this album isn’t quite up to par. It could have been but overall its just good, not great. The album was preceded by lead single “Heart Attack” which featured Kelly Rowland in the video. It is one of Trey’s most heartfelt songs and best videos to date. The single peaked at number three on Billboard R&B singles chart. In an interview, he said that Kelly would be featured on two songs on the album but unfortunately she’s no where to be found. The two have also been rumored to be dating but Kelly confirmed she’s in a relationship and he confirmed he’s single; it’s a shame because the two had strong chemistry in the video.
After that hit, he kept the momentum going with the single “Simply Amazing” which he classified as Soul Rock. He spread his wings on this song. The video was beautifully done. Critics have often had a problem with the amount sexual content in Trey’s songs, but his videos have not ever been too overt.
Trey Songz also released “2 Reasons” featuring T.I. and “Hail Mary” featuring Lil Wayne and Young Jeezy, as singles. Both singles are club music, and while “2 Reasons” is charting well, “Hail Mary” is gaining buzz for its video. It has guest appearances from Kevin Hart and some of the cast of “Love and Hip: Atlanta”. The fourth single will be “Dive In.” It is the first sexually driven single from this album and it’s one of his best.
“Fumble” is one of the more emotionally driven tracks on this album and probably the best. Like his previous efforts, he uses simple metaphors that convey much deeper messages in the lyrics of this one. He sings at the end: “I dropped the bomb I’m so ashamed. I’m bad news, real bad news, I fumbled your heart.”
“Without A Woman” is another stand out cut. He paints a vivid picture of life without his other half. There are background vocals from a female on the track that Kelly Rowland would have killed. Maybe they saved their collaboration for her album. Still, Trey has a hit on his hands with this one, even if a duet with the right female would make it an instant classic.
Overall, “Chapter V” is cohesive but it probably won’t get him a Grammy award or reach platinum certification. Still, if you support his music, then this album is worth adding to one of your play lists.
Jamel Coles
Staff Writer
jcoles@uab.edu