Robert Christgau: Dean of American Rock Critics

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The-Dream

  • Love/Hate [Def Jam, 2007] A-
  • Love Vs. Hate [Def Jam, 2009] **
  • Love King [Def Jam/Radio Killa, 2010] **

See Also:

Consumer Guide Reviews:

Love/Hate [Def Jam, 2007]
For "Umbrella" fans only--all you stick-in-the-muds, go suck an egg. Out of his extended-syllable trick, dollops of falsetto, male backups going hey and stuff, and the good nature of someone who figures there's no point being mean when you're lucky, the guy who wrote "Umbrella" fashions an utterly slight, utterly captivating R&B album. True, he pursues other's girls, leaves one shawty because she's not quick enough on the get-down, and moves on to the speedier, needier Nikki when another doesn't immediately accept his tender offer. But mostly he just enjoys himself in bed and makes pop in the studio. In "Luv Songs," he does both simultaneously. A-

Love Vs. Hate [Def Jam, 2009]
The trickiest beats on the market meet a weirdo who just decided R. Kelly is his beau ideal ("Love Vs. Money Part 2," "Right Side of My Brain"). **

Love King [Def Jam/Radio Killa, 2010]
We know this trickster is "the last romantic" because, in the very same song, he tells his babydoll to present "panties to the side" ("Florida University," "Sex Intelligent") **

See Also