Words by Edward T. Bowser, SoulInStereo.com
I’ve been looking forward to TGT’s debut album for years now.
And not for the reason most of you ladies have anticipated it.
Male R&B groups, which were a staple on radio playlists a couple of decades ago, have become an endangered species. Combining the talents of Tyrese, Ginuwine and Tank – veteran artists with a combined 17 solo albums – could be the spark the genre needs.
It could be just the spark the trio needs, too. While all three have consistently released solid work since the late ‘90s, the spark that first ignited their success has been quieted in recent years. These days, acting, fatherhood and production tend to define Ty, G and Tank. Three Kings, the supergroup’s first venture together, looks to once again make them household names.
The album’s most prominent success? These guys sound exquisite together.
Maybe it’s because of the friendship they had before forming the group but vocally TGT are a well-oiled machine. Their harmonies play off each other perfectly as they explore familiar territory – love (“Lessons In Love”), regret (“Next Time Around”), apologies (“I Need”) and rebirth (“Tearing It Down”).
And oh yeah. Sex. Lots of that.
First single “Sex Never Felt Better” is tailor-made for TGT. Despite their contrasting pitches, the trio has no problem uniting in their seductive quests. TGT scales back their vocals expertly on “Explode” to emphasize the sexuality. “Weekend Love” follow that same pattern while “Take It Wrong” amps up the tempo. It’s a great blend of R&B infused with slight elements of hip hop – enough to provide energy but not enough to overtake the track.
Unfortunately, not all of Three Kings is filled with such wise choices. TGT are veterans of the game and, because of that, are speaking to a slightly more mature audience that the typical 106 & Park fan. Well, sometimes, it seems they forgot that. “No Fun” repurposes Snoop Doggy Lion’s “Ain’t No Fun (If The Homies Can’t Have None).” I have no desire to hear anyone singing about passing around a girl to their friends, especially not mature adults. It doesn’t help that guest rapper Problem brags that the girl’s vagina tastes like Thai wings.
“FYH” sounds amazing, with Ginuwine especially turning heads. But once the guys starts telling their girl that they want to “f*** you heavy” things get, well, heavy-handed. Same goes for the unnecessary auto-tune on “OMG.”
TGT sounds so much more comfortable on tracks like “Burn Out.” It’s sensual without delving into immaturity.
At 17 tracks, Three Kings is a mixed bag. Some of the great tracks are lost among those with hackneyed lyrics, causing the album to drag near the end. But you can’t question TGT’s passion. That spark has been ignited. Hopefully TGT’s next outing will keep the fire burning.
Best tracks: “Burn Out,” “Take It Wrong,” “Explode”
3.5 stars out of 5
Can’t get enough of Edd? For more album reviews, relationship talk, pop culture news and Keith Sweat hero worship, visit SoulInStereo.com and follow him on Twitter @etbowser.
A good review. Think its a little better than the score given.
I’ve had the album for over a week now and have given a track by track review. Check it out guys!
http://www.amazon.com/review/R1U3ZRT4AK5XM7/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B00DN713KI&nodeID=5174&store=music
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I totally agree on the No Fun track dumbest track and imo has Tyreese written all over it smh. glad it’s the second song. Actually ripped the CD took of that track and burned it to a blank CD. That’s how much it ruined it for me.
Tgt album three kings I give it 5star very goo
My song are lessons in love burn out next Time
This is the best R&B album of the year! Hands down. 3.5? no way 4.75 out of 5! I agree they do sound awesome together knowing when and where each are to pop in. “Burn out” is easily the best cut on the album but there are others too. The ad-libs on this track make it as far as the vocals go. These brothas in my book are the best male singers in R&B (other than Eric Benet) and its a shame cuz they’re all really past their prime. Says alot about the state of the genre. These newbees really are not vocalist but yet and still showmen on some level. Hey, this is a just let it play CD.
“Newbees” of today……
WHO IS THIS HATER? AMAZING how you could miss the mark totally here. This is THE ALBUM of the YEAR.! I totally agree with blhawk! OMG! Are you guys kidding? There is not a cut on this album that is not the bomb and yes I understand your sentiments about the second cut however it is a jam you have to admit. I may not agree with the message and I certainly don’t but you have to to “GET IT” and laugh and shake your head or bob it to the beat..LOL . Shame but it true its a jam. The rest of the album I think is pretty much flawless. I give this album 5 stars. And I am a very discerning listener. THIS ALBUM I HIGHLY RECOMMEND EVERY WOMAN WHO LOVES R&B AND LOVE SONGS BUY IT YOU WONT BE DISAPPOINTED.
Oh the reviewer is a guy..no suprise..
This album is at least 4.5 and up! I SAY “AND UP” because the album gets better everytime you listen to it. Good review, horrible rating.