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..