R&B singer Trey Songz releases his fifth studio effort, 2012's&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Chapter-V/dp/B0082MSWNK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Chapter V</a>&nbsp;as a follow up to 2010's&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Passion-Pain-Pleasure/dp/B003UW6WLQ/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Passion, Pain & Pleasure</a>.  The artist continues in a sensual and sometimes salacious direction on Chapter V, highly inspired by his idol, R. Kelly. Songz doesn't tread too far from the formula of his most recent albums, though that doesn't impair Chapter V's consistency in the least.

The intro, titled "Chapter V" sets the tone of the effort. "Dive In" starts the effort strongly, given  its slow tempo and sensual sensibilities. Songz does little to differentiate this from say "Neighbors Know My Name" or similarly veined cuts, but `if it ain't broke, don't fix it' is not a bad adherence here. The salacious "Panty Wetter" proceeds, finding Songz sounding edgy and emulating R. Kelly both thematically and vocally.  Risqu without being too raw, Trey controls himself.

"Heart Attack," the promo single co-penned by R&B hit-maker Rico Love, is a highlight. Characterized by big drums and a hint of synths, Songz sounds exceptional overall:  "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 bad..."
"Playin Hard" finds Songz returning to his days as an MC.  A bit odd and even clunky at first, "Playin' Hard" eventually unfurls its magic. The production serves as a sound backdrop for Songz's `spitting' and `crooning,' though falls short of the glory of "Dive In" or "Heart Attack."

"2 Reasons" is a "Bottoms Up" remake, though a downgrade at best. Production is the cut's solid point, T.I.'s downgraded swag shows on his clumsy, indecipherable verse. No more corny is than the Trey's hook: "I only came for the ladies and the drinks..." "Hail Mary" atones with it's hardcore sound. Jeezy and Lil Wayne assist solidly. Catchy and enjoyable, "Hail Mary" works well. Staying in hip-hop sensibility, Songz adds Rick Ross on "Don't Be Scared," another solid, though not `earth shattering' cut.

"Pretty Girls Lie" is a pleasant surprise as it gives Songz a different sound than the audience is accustomed to. "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...," Songz sings in heartfelt fashion.  Add an well composed key change and Songz instantly shows more range and credibility as an artist.
"Bad Decisions" a Drake-styled R&B track follows. Songz sings well here, but the song feels a bit static even given Songz's musical prowess.

"Forever Yours" allows Songz to reference `undies' once more, a topic that seems `near and dear' to his heart. The use of synths and electronic sensibility is tasteful and balanced.  A sensually-contrived interlude, "Inside Interlewd"  precedes the football-referencing "Fumble."

"Fumble" finds the tempo slow and Songz's vocals crystal clear.  Characterized by excellent nuance and high emotion, "Fumble" is an `ace-in-the-hole' type of cut for Songz. "Without A Woman" proves none too shabby itself, finding Songz drawing more comparisons to his musical  `daddy,' R. Kelly.

"Interlude4u" proceeds, followed by the ok, but not great pop-R&B crossover "Simply Amazing."  Penultimate cut "Never Again" sampes Curtis Mayfield and perhaps is a shade better than "Simply Amazing." "Check Me Out" adds Meek Mill and Diddy and can be characterized as `clubby.'

Overall,&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Chapter-V/dp/B0082MSWNK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Chapter V</a>&nbsp;is solid and enjoyable. It is not the best R&B album of the year per say, but it is consistent, solid, and entertaining by all means.
R&B singer Trey Songz releases his fifth studio effort, 2012's&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Chapter-V/dp/B0082MSWNK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt? ie=UTF8">Chapter V</a>&nbsp;as a follow up to 2010's&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Passion-Pain-Pleasure/dp/B003UW6WLQ/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt? ie=UTF8">Passion, Pain & Pleasure</a>. The artist continues in a sensual and sometimes salacious direction on Chapter V, highly inspired by his idol, R. Kelly. Songz doesn't tread too far from the formula of his most recent albums, though that doesn't impair Chapter V's consistency in the least. The intro, titled "Chapter V" sets the tone of the effort. "Dive In" starts the effort strongly, given  its slow tempo and sensual sensibilities. Songz does little to differentiate this from say "Neighbors Know My Name" or similarly veined cuts, but `if it ain't broke, don't fix it' is not a bad adherence here. The salacious "Panty Wetter" proceeds, finding Songz sounding edgy and emulating R. Kelly both thematically and vocally. Risqu without being too raw, Trey controls himself. "Heart Attack," the promo single co-penned by R&B hit-maker Rico Love, is a highlight. Characterized by big drums and a hint of synths, Songz sounds exceptional overall:  "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 bad... "
"Playin Hard" finds Songz returning to his days as an MC. A bit odd and even clunky at first, "Playin' Hard" eventually unfurls its magic. The production serves as a sound backdrop for Songz's `spitting' and `crooning,' though falls short of the glory of "Dive In" or "Heart Attack. "

"2 Reasons" is a "Bottoms Up" remake, though a downgrade at best. Production is the cut's solid point, T. I.'s downgraded swag shows on his clumsy, indecipherable verse. No more corny is than the Trey's hook: "I only came for the ladies and the drinks... " "Hail Mary" atones with it's hardcore sound. Jeezy and Lil Wayne assist solidly. Catchy and enjoyable, "Hail Mary" works well. Staying in hip-hop sensibility, Songz adds Rick Ross on "Don't Be Scared," another solid, though not `earth shattering' cut. "Pretty Girls Lie" is a pleasant surprise as it gives Songz a different sound than the audience is accustomed to. "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... ," Songz sings in heartfelt fashion. Add an well composed key change and Songz instantly shows more range and credibility as an artist. "Bad Decisions" a Drake-styled R&B track follows. Songz sings well here, but the song feels a bit static even given Songz's musical prowess. "Forever Yours" allows Songz to reference `undies' once more, a topic that seems `near and dear' to his heart. The use of synths and electronic sensibility is tasteful and balanced. A sensually-contrived interlude, "Inside Interlewd"  precedes the football-referencing "Fumble. "

"Fumble" finds the tempo slow and Songz's vocals crystal clear. Characterized by excellent nuance and high emotion, "Fumble" is an `ace-in-the-hole' type of cut for Songz. "Without A Woman" proves none too shabby itself, finding Songz drawing more comparisons to his musical  `daddy,' R. Kelly. "Interlude4u" proceeds, followed by the ok, but not great pop-R&B crossover "Simply Amazing. "  Penultimate cut "Never Again" sampes Curtis Mayfield and perhaps is a shade better than "Simply Amazing. " "Check Me Out" adds Meek Mill and Diddy and can be characterized as `clubby. '

Overall,&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Chapter-V/dp/B0082MSWNK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt? ie=UTF8">Chapter V</a>&nbsp;is solid and enjoyable. It is not the best R&B album of the year per say, but it is consistent, solid, and entertaining by all means.