Trey Songz
“Chapter V”
Aug. 21
Record Label: Atlantic Records
4.5 out of 5 decibels
Top Track: “Heart Attack”
Sounds Like: Keith Sweat mixed with John Legend

There aren’t a lot of things in popular modern music that stay true to the term “classic.” Classic rock, classic hip-hop and certainly classic R&B are too often saturated with electronic production and popular influences.

But Trey Songz has managed to be one mainstream rhythm-and-blues star that makes sure soulful sounds and killer vocals stay on the radio. In his latest album, “Chapter V,” Songz continues to pay homage to the old school with hip-hop, pop and rap twists. Some are hits and fewer are misses, but there is plenty to jam to.

Songz debuted his first album, “I Gotta Make It,” in 2005. The title track got him noticed for his raw talent and soulful voice, but the album’s Top 20 spot on the Billboard 200 charts proved he’d made it as a hit-maker. He’s been coming into his own with his now signature sexy style, securing superstar status with wildly successful collaborations like “Successful” with Drake, “Bottoms Up” featuring Nicki Minaj and “Say Aah” with Fabolous.

But, most importantly, he became known for making music that made women everywhere break into cold sweats. On “Chapter V,” Songz shows off his signature R&B sound while trying out a few new job titles, including trying his hand at being an emcee.

After a quick intro, the singer confirms his nickname as “Mr. Steal Yo Girl.” He talks about swimming in a “big pool of sexy” on “Dive In,” smoothly describing some pretty steamy activities. But the racy subject matter is matched by an even more passionate performance. He shows off his wide vocal range in the chorus by belting out the song’s title, which is matched by plenty of vocal runs, a little falsetto and the mid-tempo, romantic-sounding track.

In “Check Me Out,” Songz teams up with Diddy and Meek Mill for a little more rapping than usual. Songz’s rapping style flows pretty well and meets a basic level of talent, but with lyrics like “Girl you got that I can see you from the front back/She said damn we be hatin’ why they love that/I said damn man you looking like you does that,” listeners will probably see why he’s mainly a singer first and rapper second.

Overall, the track has an effortlessly catchy and repetitive chorus, as well as a danceable beat. It will offer the same sort of appeal as Tyga’s anthem “Rack City,” whether that’s a good or bad thing.

Thankfully, Songz finds his strong suit in songs like “Heart Attack,” a tune that’s already a huge hit, and juggles both R&B and pop sounds through its catchy beat and another strong vocal performance.

As Songz sings about heartbreak that he compares to suffering cardiac arrest, he belts out notes in the chorus with such desire and yearning that might just make you want to give the guy a hug. In contrast, the track is upbeat and grooves so nicely that fans won’t be able to help but clap to it.

Trey Songz definitely has earned a name for himself in this business. His music now satisfies almost all of his listeners’ ranges of emotions. There’s romantic Trey, Trey we can blast in the club and now, even the Trey for when we’re feeling wild. No matter which one of his personalities you prefer, “Chapter V” proves that there should be several more chapters ahead.

Published on August 28, 2012 at 1:00 am

Contact Ibet: ieinyang@syr.edu