Atlanta native Terius “The Dream” Nash re-emerges with his sophomore offering ‘Love vs. Money.’ This go-around Dream attempts to further distance himself from his super-producer/ songwriter label and step into the major music star lane. 
Fueled by the lead single ‘Rockin that Thang,’ a track that sways so smoothly from side to side, your hips can’t help but follow suit. A certified club banger?…yes, but the good news is there’s more where that came from.
Similar to his debut, Dream finds himself grappling with the parallels of love versus another equally powerful entity. Instead of “hate” this time it’s money. ‘Walking on the Moon’ featuring Kanye West is 80s style and disco inspired music, kin to the likes of Michael Jackson or Evelyn Champagne King (youngsters…if you’re lost ask your parents).
Mariah Carey assists Dream in solidifying his place as a force to be reckoned with on ‘My Love,’ a euphoric Romeo and Juliet style tale that matches Carey’s whimsical octaves with Dream’s feeble whispers. The song works so well that it proves Dream’s ingenious ability to create melodies specifically suited for each artist he works with whether they are teamed together or not. Yet the song’s true appeal is that it further drives the reality that the singer/songwriter is a talent more than capable of standing on his own two feet.
Like any good artist, tortured or otherwise, traces of Dream’s reality leaks into his artistry on “Love vs. Money” parts 1 and 2.“He took my shawty/He took my girl/ He took the any and everything out my world.” will have you scrambling to figure out if his “shawty” is who you’re thinking but most importantly if the “he” is an un-named rapper from New Orleans. Make sure to listen up for the second helping of the title track to get the answer.
Unfortunately there are moments when the album’s momentum slows in order to retain energy for the next alluring heavy hitter. Among them, ‘Fancy’ and ‘Right Side of Your Brain’, which is conceptually, attractive but falls flat on composition. However, once you add honorable mention for Dream’s impeccable writing and production abilities, plus extra credits for minimal guests appearances (let’s face it he could’ve easily just called on every superstar he’s worked with to take away from his shinning moment) ‘Love vs. Money’s’ grade is increased to above average.
Check out The Dream’s official myspace for more info and get his new album, “Love vs. Money” in stores now..
He’s been getting a lot of radio play with “rockin that thing” (and I had no idea that that was targeted to lil wayne until my older sis told me), so I wonder how the album in its entirety will do. But personally I’m not sold on the dream yet.
At first it was Brian writing this, talking about “youngsters.” LOL But Angel, you’re not that much older either! Anyway, I downloaded the album last weekend and it was cool. I think I need to give it another listen before I settled on my opinion, but I liked what I heard for the most part!
I can’t wait to cop this album. I love his first album. I wasn’t too sure about his first one though because I hated that song “shawty is the ish”, but the rest of the album was and still is good. His first album reminded me of a mixture of Prince and Michael Jackson, but with more Prince. Rockin’ that thang is a bomb song.
Sounds good!
should be hot, hope it is
I need 2 get my copy AEAP!
A.E.A.P. A.E.A.P. A.E.A.P!
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I actually enjoyed this review of the album. Very well written and not opinionated. Angel you did good picking this person to do the review. I like his song with Kanye and Mariah. I have to listen to the whole album before I buy it though.
Fancy and Right Side Of Brain may lack “composition” as you say….BUT it had me in a 10 minute Musik coma…. Those are the best two tracks on the album hands down……but all around it’s a good piece of work.
I was wondering why the music reviews were so well written and informative then I looked at the name and didn’t see who I was looking for. Good job Latifah! Upgrade! I cant wait to bootleg this cd. His first one was the truth.
This whole CD is fire to me. I like how the songs connect and flow from one to another. I think cuz I loved “Nikki” off the first album so much., my favorites at the moment are “Love vs Money” parts 1 & 2. [besides the singles he's released so far]
wait.. who posted this? Someone must have converted..
ONCE AGAIN KUDOS TO LATIFAH FOR A WELL WRITTEN REVIEW. YOUR WORDS DESCRIBING “ROCKIN THAT THANG” WERE MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY!
LOL AT THE BOGISH ACTING IN THE “MY LOVE” VIDEO!
IMO, THE DREAM’S VOICE IS CRAZY PUBESCENT BUT IT JUST WORKS! HE’S CRAZY TALENTED AND I’LL EVEN AGREE WITH ONE OF BRIAN’S COMMENTS, HOW IT’S KINDA FUNNY OR HUMORUS HOW THE DREAM APPROACHES THE CONCEPT OF HIS SONGS, IT’S VERY UNIQUE (ALA, “SWEAT IT OUT”) THIS IS ONE TO COP!
ANGEL WHAT’S UP WITH THE INTERVIEWS? DO YOU STILL TRY AND SECURE THOSE? I MISS ‘EM.
I guess it’s a sign that I’m getting old cause I really can’t enjoy this guy’s music. He really can’t sing live & has a annoyingly feminine voice, & all he does is repeat the hook with soundbites & the kids love it, that being said I can see why he’s so popular so I’ll stick with my raheem devaughn, brian mcknight & robin thicke CD’s cause obviously this ain’t for me! but hey much success to the brother no hate here, its just not good r&b to me. That’s my opinion & I can have that!
Most definitely getting the album…can’t wait!!!
This album and this artist is definitely for the younger (22 & under) audiences….
The sound and the subject matter are a little too immature for my taste.
I’ve heard several good reviews of this album…I think I need to give it another listen
AFTER SEEING NIVEA IN THAT INTERVIEW LOOKIN LIKE SHE WAS ON DAT “STUFF” IT KINDA MAKES ME WONDER BOUT HIM EVEN DEALIN WITH HER…BUT DATS JUST SPECULATION ON MY END.
I don’t like majority of the songs I’ve heard!
The ONLY song I liked is the 1 where he is talking bout Nieva( Love vs Money)
Everything is wack 2 me.It dosnt sound like his 1st album.
All the songs are talkin bout a girls booty!
Da 1st album is DeF better!!
STILL HATE THAT SASHA FIERCE POSE HE GOT GOIN FOR THAT ALBUM COVER…..
I REALLY WANNA LIKE HIM BUT SOMETHING DEEP INSIDE ME IS WAITING FOR HIM TO COME OUT OF THE CLOSET.
BEAT-WISE, THE ALBUM IS ONLY DECENT.
LYRICALLY, THE DUDE SHOWS NO PERSONAL GROWTH. HIS LYRICS ARE CHILDISH AND STUPID SOUNDING…I STILL TO THIS DAY HAVE NO CLUE WHAT HE SAYS IN THE FIRST VERSE OF “ROCKIN THAT SHIT”!
IS IT JUST ME???
“…impeccable production abilities…” ??? – MAYBE.
but “….impeccable writing abilities…” ??? – I DON’T KNOW.
The Dream is Okay.
Luv’s the review Latifah I thought it was Brian I was about to see he finally stepped his game up. Love the detail.. I going to buy this on FRIDAY.
Here’s what really bothers me with today’s music.
Plenty of male artists come out (Omarion, The-Dream, Ne-Yo, T-Pain) and let’s admit…they aren’t the best singers out. (The fact that I added Ne-Yo may come as a shocker for some reason, but he sounds horrible live.) But because they are male singers, no one really points that out. Why? I still can’t figure it out. And The-Dream has to be by far the worst singer i have heard in a while. Love his music, but he was better writing for others.
But when female artists like Ciara and Rihanna get crap for being average singers, it really disturbs me. And honestly, i’ve heard Ciara sing acapella, and she could easily sing circles around every male artist i named above. (Maybe not better than Ne-Yo, but close enough.) Why is this the case? Are female artists’ vocal standards that much higher than that of male artists????
I know a lot of people were talking down on “Let Me See The Booty”…but I personally like it, and let me tell you that song JAAAMMMSSS in the club..so his marketing scheme is definitely there because in this age and era it’s all about the club and dancing….just like when the “HAMMER”, “KID n PLAY”, and “HUMPTY DUMPTY” was in (and we all know how silly that was)….so right now music is just “FUN” and not so serious…and don’t get me wrong I love the “serious” music that you can relate to like Brian McKnight, Joe…or Lupe, Pac, and Nas…but I also like the “FUN” songs that they play in the clubs as well…and I think the Dream album is fun, you can play this and just groove to it or dance or whatever….
To be 100.. I downloaded the Dream record this weekend. And he is on R-Kellys jock so hard that if you closed you eyes and forgot who you were listening too, you would swear your were listening to R-Kelly. I mean it just really goes beyond “I was influenced by him” to “since I have a Lil career now and Kelly’s sort of labeled as an eternal Pedophile, I can jack his whole sound, voice, lyric style, vocal cadences, track arrangements, riffs, and act like its all good” !
Everything from R-Kelly’s sexually charged lyrics, talk of being an “R&B Gorilla”, his Uh oh oh oh oh’s, (which Kelly stole too), to his voice tone, talk of being “in the club” on every song, his ghetto centric vocab… Man its a travesty that people get away with this stuff now a days.
The worst offenders are “Put it down”, “Sweat it out”, “Mr. Yeah”, and Kelly’s 12 Play” Strait R-Kelly rip offs.
And yea, R-Kelly did the remix with him and got a song from Dream for his leaked album..the song “Screamer”.. but I cant believe that he “truly”co-signs Dreams blatant shameless clone music. I’ll BUY the new Kells album, he does himself much better than The Dream can
@ 26, I disagree. The Dream is in a league of his own. He is not raunchy like Kellz. Now, if u were talking about Plies, I’d agree. But everyone makes songs about screwing.. It’s nothing new.
@ 24, ur right.
BUT, I’ll be quick to admit Rihanna and Britney Spears among other female singers cannot sing, but they make good music… I get DOWN to Rihanna daily! She can’t sing, but she knows she has to come w/ a hot beat and good lyrics…
“Dream’s feeble whispers” the author of this review was clearly using Thesaurus when they typed it in Word! lol
I LOVE THE DREAM AND MARIAH’S DUET. MARIAH’S VOICE IS JUST PERFECT TO ME.
BACK UP KERI HILSON, BEYONCE AND RIHANNA……………A REAL SINGER IS ON THE CHARTS. THE ICON: MARIAH
Why doesn’t L.O.S Da Mystro get any recognition for production ever from Dream’s music when breaks all of the lead singles consistently. Dream is ill but since I have found out who the front running producer behind this is I have been checking for more from L.O.S. as well. Its a great pair… can’t wait to hear more. Love vs Money=Great Album hands down.
@30, it’s room for all of them on the charts obviously because they’re ALL on there LOL!
@ #7 (Honest Critic)
Let me get this straight. You say you enjoyed this review because it’s “not opinionated”? There are two things wrong with this.
1. Reviews are SUPPOSED to be opinionated; that was a review IS–an opinion.
2. Latifah’s review WAS opinionated, it was simply a positive opinion instead of a negative one. Are you one of those folks that gave Latifah crap because she wasn’t pole-jocking in her last reviews? Because let me tell you something, negative reviews are just as valuable as positive ones as long as they’re honest.
@31 I agree 100%, L.O.S Da Mystro is far superior to Tricky when it comes to orginality. Tricky is still using the Timbo/Danja Handz arpergiator synths from the “Future Sex love sounds” (era) and has not shown and growth since Dreams last album.
L.O.S Da Mystro on the other hand took the formula he created with “Bed” and took it to the next level. His tracks outshine Tricky on this album by far.
I’m not feeling the album yet. Looks like I’ll continue to bump his debut in my truck!!!
got the album. am really feelin it. i dare you to find another male r&b album for twentysomethings that doesn’t come off as childish but not geriatric. his music speaks for his demo. if you don’t like, holler at chris brown or eric benet. he may not be the best singer, but he knows his lane and works it.
I LOVE THE DREAM, HTE FIRST CD WAS OFF DA CHAINS. I 2 THIS DAY STILL LISTENING TO THAT BAD BOY. HE IS SO GIFTED AND CUTE YES BITCH I SAID CUTE. DONT HATE IM GOING TO GET THAT CD SO I CAN”ROCK MY SHIT” LOVE DREAM
I BROUGHT THE ALBUM AND WENT TO THE ALBUM RELEASE PARTY. i HAVE TO GIVE THE DREAM PROPS FOR COMING THREW AND BRINGING NE-YO WITH HIM. i HAVE GREAT PICS AND NEYO EVEN STRIKED A POSE FOR MY CAMERA. I LOVE THE DREAM I BROUGHT HIS ALBUM BEFORE COMING TO WORK THIS MORNIG. LOVE THE ALBUM. THE REASON WHY I LOVE THE DREAM SO MUCH IS BECAUSE OF HIS TALENT. HE WROTE SINGLE LADIES, DIVA, BLAME IT ON THE ALCOHOL, ALMOST ALL THE HITS YOU HEAR ON THE THE RADIO HE PRODUCED. HE IS NOT JUST ARTIST HE HAVE BRAINS BEHINDE HIS WORK AND AS ALREADY MENTIONED HE HAS A ALBUM U CAN PUT ON AND ENJOY THE WHOLE WAY THREW. i HAVE TO GIVE PROPS WHEN DESERVED AND THE DREAM IS REALLY GOOD.
THE-Dream is the best singer/songwriter to come out this decade. Love Vs. Money shows his vulnerability as musician and that he’s not just a 1 hit wonder.
I can clearly say that Love Vs. Money will be or should I say IS THE BEST R&B ALBUM by Male released in 2009.
He’s a fuckin’ musical genius and I cannot wait for his next album, “LOVEKING” to drop in October.
@ 36
Correction: The-Dream didn’t write “Blame It” nor did he write “Diva”.
The Dream should stick to producing, he can’t sing and he has lyrics that a 10 year old could write.
I admit I love “Rockin’ That Thang” but that’s only beat wise.
Did I say his voice sounds like nails against a chalk board? Please spare us all!!!! Why the hell are you singing and getting away with it?!?!?
What is happening to R&B? I commend artists like Robin Thicke, Rapheal Sadeeq (I know I spelled that wrong lol), Raheem DeVaughn, Anthony Hamilton, Dwele, Joe, Eric Benet, Lalah Hathaway…etc… who are still keeping real music alive.
It seems as though some of these R&B artists are swaying to the same hip hop tactics…talking about getting fucked up in a club and getting some ass. That’s it! What happened to making love and being in love with a girl?
Gosh..I’m only 23 but I find myself listening to either those artists mentioned above and a few others, old school 90’s R&B, and classic R&B (70’s & 80s).
A lot of the artists who do try to bring back the music in R&B and Hip Hop usually don’t get the recognition they deserve. So sad.
I don’t even watch 106 anymore unless its to see what guests are on the show if any, simply because the countdown is full of nothing but coonery. It’s gotten worse since I was a teenager and watched it back in 02 & 03.
The music these days is trash (especially rap, don’t get me started on that) and these brain washed kids just eat it up like candy and think it’s the best thing since sliced bread.
i just downloaded the album…. i’m top of it!!! LOOOOOOOOOOOVE IT!!!….
This review is the business!!! Latifah you did ur thing. It is very objective, great job. I am excited about dreams new cd though. I look forward to listening to the album later today.
#24 aka Precious
Ciara cant sing circles around NOBODY so just stop it!!!
I TRULY CAN SAY I’M LOVING WHAT I HAVE HEARD SO FAR………….I WILL BE PURCHASING THIS ALBUM…………….TEAM DREAM!!!!
wow…”Fancy” and “Right Side of my Brain” are the two best tracks. What a great album.
Nothing But Love
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 /
#24 aka Precious
Ciara cant sing circles around NOBODY so just stop it!!!
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Niether can The Dream.
Love Fancy!! If you loved the Dream’s first album, you’ll love this one as well.
I like it!!
OH, I’M SO GLAD SOMEONE ELSE IS DOING THE ALBUM REVIEWS. IT’S A BREATH OF FRESH AIR NOT TO SEE ANY SPELLING ERRORS AND SUCH. GOOD REVIEW
I GUESS I WILL CHECK OUT HIS ALBUM. I DIDN’T BUY THE LAST ONE, I PROBABLY WON’T BUY THIS ONE, BUT I WILL HEAR THE LITTLE SNIPPETS ON ITUNES TOMORROW.
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The album is awesome. Didn’t think he’d be able to top the first one but he did a good job. The production is fire and he got a little more creative with his singing style. You can tell he was influenced by MJ, but in his defense he did make it his own. I like his quirky ad-libs like the ones he does in the begining of “Love vs Money Part 2″. While he isn’t the best singer, he is able to produce melodies that suit his vocal range quite well.
Obviously the subject matter is lacking in terms of substance, but like someone else stated, it has a fun vibe to it. He makes up for it with the production and the transitions. My favorite part is when “Fancy” fades into “Right side of My Brain”. I do wish there were more transitions like the ones in Love/Hate, that’s what made his first cd so hot.
In response to number 24… I honestly feel like the bar and standards for female singers is way higher than for males “right now”… There’s not too many male singers that kan actually sing that are around right now. In this new age of auto tune male singers are taking on this device and its getting extremely annoying. I think the actual lack of male vocalist are partly to blame for these artist who aren’t good vocally ( Dream Ne-Yo) for stepping into the lime light instead of fading and staying in the background. I guess they figure hey why not these guys arent really good. I kan pull it off. Ne-Yo and Dream are two of the best songwriters out. Female artist kan solely rely on their incredible voices because theres so many of them out there.
Please Angel have Latifah do the reviews from now on…I got through the whole review without cringing!
With his first album, I was like WHY DOES EVERY TRACK SOUND THE SAME?!?! but then listening to it, cuz my poppop had it on loop, I came to like the album, but this time around i think Dream got lost. NOT feeling it at all. I only like rockin dat thing and my love. and if i listen to fancy a coupe more times, mab i’ll digg it. but i think Dream went wrong with this one. what was love vs money about? was it my recording or is it the same as the previous track?
Man his CD on point! I was doggin’ it 2day!
Love #5 & #9
I Love tha’ beggining of #9!!
Hott Craqk!!!!
& Love how tha’ songs connect like blend in & goes to tha’ next….
(Sм☆tん ) L!kモ (DΛT) !
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Man…that Latifah character is borderline amazing. Hahahaha.
IT’S ONE THING TO BE A HATER AND SAY SOMETHING HATEFUL AND IT’S SOMETHING ELSE TO DIFFER IN OPINION. WHAT’S INCREDIBLY IMMATURE ARE THE PEOPLE WHO DON’T KNOW THE DIFFERENCE. THOSE TYPE OF FOLKS REALLY MAKE COMING TO CL UN-ENJOYABLE.
Oh and LOOVVEESSS Fancy too…great track!!
“Fancy” has been on repeat in my car since I got the CD! LOVING IT!!!!!!!!!!!
This album is hot, not better than his first one…but damn good. I just wish he would’ve put leaked songs like “Cringin” “Shoulda Been Luvin U” and “Tipper Luv” on Love vs Money. Those 3 songs are bangers! Dream is mad talented and he’s gon’ be on top of the game for awhile.