The-Dream: Lovehate : Music Reviews : Rolling Stone

Album Reviews

Terius "The-Dream" Nash co-wrote Rihanna’s "Umbrella" and J. Holiday’s "Bed," two of ‘07’s biggest hits. On his debut, Nash spreads his strong tune-sense across a whole album, ending up with one of the most likeable R&B records of the year. Nash — who also scored a hit with ''Shawty Is a 10'' earlier this year — brandishes a load of memorable melodies, and he keeps things smooth while (usually) avoiding soul-man tedium. His supple croon is abetted by some very good beats: "She Needs My Love" is built around dark, dense bounce complete with clanging sound effects, helping make a slo-mo ballad that’s both overheated and interesting. A couple slow ones sag, but not all of them: "Nikki" is a nasty kiss-off in which Nash tells his ex about the new girl he’s screwing, and between its lush beat, heartfelt verses and general vindictiveness, the song plays like a less subtle — and still very fine — knock-off of Justin’s "Cry Me a River."