Trey Songz: Young Veteran

The songs that stand out must be "Got to make it," featuring twista, where he sings about getting him and his partner out of the ghetto, to a better existence. It’s a song that offers hope and inspiration. Another song that is quite refreshing is "From a woman’s hand," a song that begs the question why fathers don’t stick around to raise there children. "Coming for you" grabbed me not because of the lyrical content but from the vocal delivery and the music—
it is very reminiscent of Curtis Mayfield, in tempo, rhythm, vocals and use of orchestra.
The final verdict? The album leans more towards the classical soul tag, but hard drum programming and intelligent use of samples provides the street edge.

If you haven’t heard of Trey Songz by now, then you should expand on your music sources. After listening to him, you would probably guess his age to be in the region of 28 or even older, yet he is only 20. He sings with the confidence of a veteran and with the energy of the hungry newcomer that he is. He has appeared in the soundtrack to “Coach Carter,” he co-produced Kevin Lyttle’s self titled debut album, he has worked with trick daddy in “ain’t a thug” in his latest album and also had time to sing backup for Gerald Levert’s “what happened to the lovin” in his last album.

Trey Songz is a good student of soul music—listening to his album, you get a sense of the people who have influenced him the most. From the Motown and Stax sound, to R. Kelly and hip-hop influence, you get it all in his debut album named “Got to make it.” Trey says he grew listening mostly to hip-hop with one exception—R. Kelly. But when he hooked up with legendary producer Troy Taylor, his musical lesson truly began.

There are 14 tracks in his album, which was released in 2005 by Atlantic Records; it is an excellent album. The songs that stand out must be “Got to make it,” featuring twista, where he sings about getting him and his partner out of the ghetto, to a better existence. It’s a song that offers hope and inspiration. Another song that is quite refreshing is “From a woman’s hand,” a song that begs the question why fathers don’t stick around to raise there children. “Coming for you” grabbed me not because of the lyrical content but from the vocal delivery and the music— it is very reminiscent of Curtis Mayfield, in tempo, rhythm, vocals and use of orchestra.

The final verdict? The album leans more towards the classical soul tag, but hard drum programming and intelligent use of samples provides the street edge. “We’re just making sure that I’m felt in the streets as much as I’m felt on the soulful level,â€? says Trey Songz. He has been successful at accomplishing his mission.
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