The Dream makes his major label debut with Love/Hate, and with such a title he must have known that audiences would either embrace him or erase him. After writing some of 2007's biggest hits (Rihanna's "Umbrella" and J. Holiday's "Bed"), it's time for Dream to spread his wings and go for dolo. The Dream has previously stated that he has an immense passion for deep lyrics, but he also mentioned how the public has an urge to hear the "dumb parts like, 'ella ella eh eh eh,'" from Rihanna's hit single, "Umbrella." That being said, there is no shortage of vivid lyrics and "dumb parts" on Love/Hate, not to mention, harmonies, bridges and vocoders.
Talk about a radio smash, the first single, "Shawty Is Da Sh--" featuring Fabolous, will hook you from the opening symphony. The stanzas will intrigue you, however, Fabolous' stoic verse will make you clock Z's. Fortunately, even with Fab's lack of energy, the single is still a smash. The Dream's heart is in the right place on "Mama," and everything is on point on this track, from production to performance. Rihanna makes a guest appearance on "Livin A Lie," and along with Dream, they showcase a chemistry that was probably developed from their previous work. You can't help but feel like you are listening to a real couple interact in harmony. The back and forth action is like an R&B version of M.O.P.
If you are trying to go half on a baby, then dim the lights and listen to "Purple Kisses." The Dream digs deep in his soul for this track and pours his heart out to listeners. The lyrics are sometimes so vivid, it's almost impossible not to daydream to the script. "Luv Songs" is part of the same family as "Purple Kisses," as far as song structure is concerned, but is still unique in its own right.
The Dream embraces slow jams, up-tempo tracks, heart-felt tributes, and even brings a summertime anthem with "Fast Car." The track has an '80s feel, a la Diddy's "Last Night," and Dream takes you on an insane ride throughout the song. "Falsetto And Nikki" shows how far Dream is willing to go to break the norm, as he infuses some Prince-like eccentricity into his music. It's gutsy and brave and works to perfection.
There are so many good batches of songs on Love/Hate. There's almost something for everyone to latch onto and embrace. That's what being an artist should be about. Dream has the writing skills of Ne-Yo and a knack for infectious harmonies that rivals T-Pain and R. Kelly. With LA Reid as an executive producer, it would be hard for Dream to produce subpar material. There is not a thin line between love and hate this time around. The Dream is now a reality.
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