Trey Songz is the most frustrating R&B star to emerge this decade.
He possesses a piercing tenor and an instantly recognizable vocal presence, something his contemporaries (from Mario to Chris Brown to Ne-Yo) probably wish they had. And when he has material to match his voice, he is peerless. “Gotta Go”, from his debut album, was the most effortlessly soulful pop song to emerge from the recent crop of millennial R&B new jacks. “We Should Be”, from his sophomore album, Trey Day, was every bit its equal.
And yet, for as talented and gifted as he is, Songz’ albums are always a mixed bag...