The-Dream – Love King

64

Sometime between R. Kelly’s infamous trial and now, The-Dream took the baton from the R and built his own legacy as the go-to producer and elite R&B artist. He has produced the type of sex-oozing music that you aren’t embarrassed to play in front of your girlfriend or play in your car with the windows down. The-Dream, never short on ego, brings forth his latest album Love King. It’s everything you expect from the innovative frontrunner. It’s filled with confidence, cockiness, sex and feel-good cuts. 


Like the previous two Dream albums, Love King‘s production value is top notch. The-Dream has mastered synths and the bass lines always seem to feel right. After one listen, it’s easy to see why he was behind the boards on smash hits like Rihanna’s “Umbrella.” The artist is a chameleon. His ability to adapt his voice, production and confidence to fit a track or topic is impressive. On “Yamaha” and “Nikki Part 2” he is able to channel Prince-esque instrumentation in a Pop-friendly way that artists like Van Hunt could not. Both tracks maintain radio appeal, and speak to R&B fans of yesterday and tomorrow at once. “Nikki Part 2” sees The-Dream’s vocals accompanied by a dope use of tempo and melody between the bridge, chorus and verses. His ability as a producer and songwriter to manipulate these elements is what makes him so acclaimed. 

The-Dream has a precise understanding of making hit records. “Florida University” is a clever middle finger record that uses the SEC school’s initials as the chorus. “Abyss” would be a standout cut on anybody else’s record, and “February Love” is sure to be a ladies favorite, with good reason. The standout track on the record is easily “Take Care of Me.” From start to end it is as close to perfect as a track can be. The-Dream brings forth his most intimate songwriting to date and showcases a very underrated powerful voice. It may be the best track that the artist has ever written or sung. It’s easy to get caught up in it’s melody and it’s stripped down production is top class.

Love King does have its flaws. “Panties To The Side” is as corny and predictable as the title. These moments are where The-Dream blends in with his peers instead of standing out. “Sex Intelligent” isn’t as clever as The-Dream would have hoped, while questionable rapping plagues the remix. “Everything Black” is dumbed-down writing that very well could make waves on the radio but not due to impressive artistry. Throughout the Love King, The-Dream shines when he is singing in his falsetto,. The moments where he sings in his middle range are times where he loses the attention of his audience. He clearly doesn’t have the overwhelming range of an artist like Maxwell, and this forces him to play with voice manipulating studio tricks. He’s not “T-Paining,” but he also isn’t blowing as much as he should. It could easily be blamed on the type of music he’s making, regardless, The-Dream would have done himself a huge favor showcasing his voice’s range and power.

When The-Dream’s second LP, Love Vs. Money didn’t receive a Grammy nomination he confidently tweeted, “Isn’t it funny the best album of 2009 didn’t get a nomination for the second year straight.” He may have had a point, but he also reinforced the opinion that he has a Kanye West-like ego. His music oozes of confidence and with an album entitled Love King, it’s clear he believes it. The R&B star/super producer brings forth another very polished album. It’s clear that he is putting his stamp on the R&B scene, and with high hopes that the album outshines its predecessors, The-Dream is attempting to sit on the throne alone and for a brief on “Take Care of Me” he looks down on everyone proudly.

64 thoughts on “The-Dream – Love King”

  1. I actually think “Sex Intelligent” is the best track on the album.. Catchy as hell and sounds good in the whip.. Ladies will love that song i think.

    Reply

  3. Enjoyed his first more than his second and this one the least atm. He has improved in consistency maybe with each album but standout/awesome track wise, i’m not feeling anything on this as much as Nicki/She Needs My Love/falsetto etc that were on his first lp.

    Reply

  4. My buddy Piff and I have been on The-Dream since before the first solo, followed his and Tricky’s production, and have never been disapointed.

    Reply

  6. all of yall on dope..this lp rolled from front to back..shut up open your ears and listen to the creativity

    Reply

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    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

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    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

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    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

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    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

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    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

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    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

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    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

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    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

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    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

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    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

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    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

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    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

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    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

    http://www.myspace.com/ibaronline

    I’m the one resposible for Eminem’s shift in creative direction on Recovery. Listen to “!”.

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    Reply

  28. Some people commenting here need to give this album a couple more listens because Dream went hard on this one. I think this album has the most mainstream appeal out of all his albums. That doesn’t mean it’s his best album (far from it actually) but his versatility really shines on this album. He really does easily shift between different distinctive styles on his tracks here and puts together yet another solid album that will be appreciated more as time goes on. By Dream’s standards however this album almost disappoints, almost. But he pulls everything through just with his songwriting skills and sheer versatility alone (but of course having Tricky and Los da Mystro around for production doesn’t hurt either).

    How many artists today in any genre of music are capable of trying something completely unlike what they usually make on their album and do it big almost every time? Less than a handful. But Dream pulls it off here.

    The stand-out track for me at the moment is Fall In Love Again simply because it’s the Dream I’ve come to love over the years. Take Care Of Me is an outstanding track also however I disagree with the reviewer that it may be his best song ever; to say this song is better than Playin In Her Hair, Nikki or Right Side Of My Brain to name a few would be a total exaggeration but it’s a great track nonetheless (he really puts his heart and soul into it). Love King, Make Up Bag, Abyss, February Love, Florida University and Priceless are other songs that can be added to Dream’s list of good songs.

    By today’s standards in the industry this album should have got a 4.5 but because it’s The Dream I agree with the overall rating of 3.5 because we didn’t get that little bit extra on this album; that magic that he sprinkles on tracks like Right Side Of My Brain and Rockin That Shit on his last album and nearly every track from Love/Hate really added to the whole experience but is almost non-existent on this album which makes it near enough an average album overall, by Dream’s standards that is.

    A great album for the bedroom and still good enough for the whip but definitely the weakest of his three LP’s so far, especially in terms of standout tracks. But his versatility really impressed me here, I always knew he could switch it up like no one else’s business but it’s great to see him experiment the way he did here because it just confirms to us that he’s continuously evolving as an artist and will rise and fall on his own terms, and not by conforming to the pathetic standards set by the industry today.

    This album reassured us of one thing though and that’s The Dream still has the RnB scene on smash. Keep doing your thing Dream you’re keeping this shit alive almost single-handedly for me.

    Reply

  29. By far his best work, The Dream in my opinon is better music crafty than Trey Songz. I didn’t skip a track his album, Dream deserves a Grammy or 2.

    Reply

  30. you gotta be kidding, i’ve seen so many rappers with great albums getting fucked on those reviews and now this doo doo was “crowned” on top of at least 4 better R&B cats, let alone the ablum itself. Fail

    Reply

  31. sex intelligent remix is wild PEAK meaning its on point….this whole album is great….F.I.L.A. and F.U. cud have gone without but everything else is wonderful

    Reply

  32. How has no one talked about Turnt Out?! I mean the whole album is crazy, but like a lotta people said, it’s hard to top the first 2. I mean crazy ass beats in the first 2, She Needs My Love, then the Trifecta on Love vs Money but a lotta the songs are ridiculously good, a couple…ahh, not so much. I also got a feeling that most of his songs can be related to a past song, ie: Fancy= February Love, Mr. Yeah=FU, and a couple more. Nonetheless, it was crazy, like always. OH and a 4th album?!?! Love Affair he mentions it a couple times…cant wait

    Reply

  33. I have to laugh about the van hunt comparison-Van Hunt is a whole different level of creativity-in that he is dope and the writing is far more intellectually driven and sexy while dreem is just nice pop sensibility. ah well its ok but i think the reviewer must be a die hard fan

    Reply

  35. DX.. i never comment on anything or any website. but this rating has me more perplexed than the rediculous TML rating. Are you rating the deluxe version? or the album? Who does that? Why would you rate the deluxe version? and why wouldn’t you mention the standout tracks like Make up bag and F.I.L.A.? Please respond

    Reply

    1. When you say standout tracks are you referring to radio play type of tracks, cuz those songs are cool, but I mean, there’s definitely other standout tracks.

      Reply

  37. I think the album was aight……..some solid feel good tracks but I think several songs were whack and corny…my favs. “turnt out” “make up bag” “F.I.L.A” “Sex Intelligent”

    Reply

  38. Feelin every joint except the way Panties to the side start off but the bridge of Panties to the side is sick!!!! Go support some innovative R&B!!!!

    Reply

  39. I know a hot club: = – [‘Cougarkissing.c om’]= which is a dating service for Cougars and Young Men or Sugar Daddy and young girl to find their true love. there has been thousands of single members online and charming young girls, Sugar Daddy, Mature women as well as attractive younger men waiting for you, maybe you will like it. Hot and sexy,Share with you~ – [‘Cougarkissing.c om’]= free to join C’MON NOW!!!

    Reply

  42. Seriously what are yall thinking. If you dont like this album then I am sorry to say but you have settled for the same plain jane r&b artist. Dream brings something new to the game and I guess you have to be a unique person to actually feel his stuff. People who dislike it are just your average plain lame people. He shakes up stuff if you compare it to sexy People who feeling this album are creative in the sheets if you not….then thats why your women leave yall bed and come lay with us. Just saying how it is.

    Reply

  49. Good album BUT I think some of the songs sound too much alike. He sometimes uses the same claps and the same Bassdrum in the exact same way. Compare Nikki Part 2 and the Abyss; they sound soo much the same; I think Turnt out also has the same feeling.

    Overall good album though

    Reply

  51. The album is pretty decent. Production is sick. You know i actually liked “Sex Intelligent”. That menacing bass line and 808 is crazy. Lyrics wise its sub par “I make every nigga irrelevant, im sex intelligent” but overall its okay, not awful.

    Reply

  53. After listening to this album a few times now I can safely say All Black Everything is the best track on the album with Abyss coming second and F.I.L.A coming a close third.

    All Black Everything is really great for the ride. Abyss is a finely crafted bit of music. And F.I.L.A is a good single.

    Reply

  54. clever, but too bad its university OF florida and not “florida university.” I hope it was only for pun because if not he just looks ignorant

    Reply

  56. I think three songs that should have been on the album

    Replace “Love King” with Love King (Ft. Young Jeezy)

    Love King Remix (Ft. Ludacris) should have came after that. Being that he over-dubs alot.

    Replace F.I.L.A. with F.I.L.A. (Ft. T.I.)

    And Veteran (Ft. R-Kelly) wasnt on there. Instead it was just Dream himself..

    Reply

  58. I didn’t no where near hate the album on the first listen but i was kinda like ‘is that it??’ BUT IT IS DEFINITELY A GROWER… ALBUM IS A MASTERPIECE with the exception of a few tracks… 🙂

    Reply

  60. Dream is the best in R & B PERIOD!!….I could listen to his whole album !!…With out skippering !!!…with Trey songz and Usher …I cant do that…all the dream shit is amazing!…I think that Def Jam should market him better…

    Reply

    1. OW LOL AT U SAYING THE DREAM IS BETTER THEN SOMEONE WHO PAVED THE WAYY FOR HIS ASS —USHER I WOULD UNSTERSTAND U AT LEAST SAYING TREY BECAUSE THEY AROUND THE SAME ERA BUT USHER HAD HIS OWN ERA PRETTY MUCH AND STILL KINDA DOIN HIS THING NOT LIKE HE USED TO THOUGH

      Reply

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