There are electronic sounds, but they’re clearly utilized within the R&B idiom. Positively, in the scheme of R&B, Songz doesn’t try to crossover into dance-pop or techno-infused styles. Overall, Chapter V is another solid Trey Songz album. Additionally, it features Meek Mill and Diddy. “Check Me Out” concludes, co-written by Bei Maejor. It marks an improvement over “Simply Amazing,” but not the second coming. It’s ok, but not particularly memorable. Penultimate cut “ Never Again” samples Curtis Mayfield. After another interlude (“Interlude4u”), “Simply Amazing” is a pop-rock crossover. “Without A Woman” follows up soulfully, hearkening on classic R&B.
Full of nuance and emotion, “Fumble” allows the artist to flourish. The tempo is slow, while his vocal is crystal clear. Like the earlier outing, Songz sells it successfully. “Fumble”įollowing “Inside Interlewd,” “Fumble” provides another football reference. “Forever Yours” is slightly better, thanks to Songz referencing underwear once more: “I bet her panties on the floor now…” The use of synths and electronic sensibilities are used tastefully, in moderation. Songz sells it, but the quibble would be that despite the excellent demarcation of form that the song is static for too long.
“Bad Decisions” is a track better suited for Drake, given the emo-, stoner-R&B sound. Add an unexpected, but successful key change and he delivers a true moment on Chapter V. Songz sings incredibly emotionally on the refrain. “Pretty girls lie/ Lipstick in her smile/ Make you want to believe/ But pretty girls lie/ Pain so deep inside/ She can’t even see/ Pretty girls lie…” Using distorted piano and a subtler approach, “Pretty Girls Lie” provides a welcome contrast. “Pretty Girl’s Lie” represents the crème de la crème. It’s not Ross’s best, but he pulls it off. Rick Ross joins the party on “Don’t Be Scared,” another solid track. Songz handles the hook as well as the second verse. Young Jeezy and Lil Wayne assists on the first and third verses respectively. “Hail Mary” lays much better, opting for a hardcore sound and medium tempo. “I only came for the ladies and the drinks…baby get ya glass up… baby get ya ass up…” Regardless, it’s no cornier than some of the lines delivered by the frontman himself: provides a guest verse, but it’s hard to decipher. The production is solid, with the club sensibility clearly conveyed. The tempo is incredibly quick with Trey delivering gimmicky vocals. “2 Reasons” serves as the “Bottoms Up” remake, but pales in comparison. Mysterious production provides a nice palette for his artistry, whether he spits or croons. It’s off-putting initially but unveils its magic with successive listens. “Playin Hard” is a bit of an anomaly – Songz both raps and sings. “In too deep, can’t think about giving it up/ But I never knew, love would feel like a heart attack/ It’s killing me, swear I never cried so much/ Cause I never knew love would hurt this fuckin’ bad/ The worst pain I ever had…” He pours out his heart on the emotive chorus: Even with electronics in the works, Songz retains a contemporary R&B sound as opposed to Euro-, techno-infused pop. The drums are gargantuan, with an impressive palette of electronic sounds. Well produced and performed, “Heart Attack” is top-notch. Highlight “Heart Attack” was co-written by Rico Love. “Panty Wetter” is dramatic and risqué without becoming overtly hedonistic. Kelly is etched throughout, given the vocal styling and edginess. “You ain’t gotta take them off/just pull ’em to the side…” The obligatory panty-dropping record follows with the salacious “Panty Wetter.” Songz asserts: There is little to nitpick save for the fact Songz doesn’t depart from the formula. Urban to the core, “Dive In” has a slow tempo, with a highly sensual sound working in its favor.
“Dive In,” a similar record to “Neighbors Know My Name,” kicks off the effort superbly. The intro, “Chapter V,” sets the tone with mysterious synths. While Songz doesn’t tread too far from breakout album Ready or the aforementioned Passion, he manages to make sensual sound compelling as ever. The artist, who famously proclaims in his song “Unusual” “they say all I talk about is sex,” does just that on the sensual, sometimes salacious Chapter V. Chapter V follows his 2010 effort, Passion, Pain & Pleasure. R&B singer Trey Songz releases his fifth studio effort, Chapter V. Trey Songz doesn’t tread too far from his past albums, but manages to make his fifth studio album, ‘ Chapter V’ compelling.