IV Play
The-Dream · 2013
76 min · 18 tracks · contemporary R&B
A sultry blend of contemporary R&B and hypnotic beats that explores themes of love and desire.
Top tracks — play these first
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High Art — The opening track features lush production and sets the tone with its seductive lyrics about artistic expression in romance, highlighting The-Dream's signature style.
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Psycho — This track showcases an infectious beat combined with playful and provocative lyrics, exemplifying The-Dream's ability to blend humor with intimacy.
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Michael — A heartfelt tribute that reflects on the legacy of Michael Jackson, this track stands out for its emotional depth and homage to one of The-Dream’s greatest influences.
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Slow It Down — With its smooth groove and romantic overtones, this track encapsulates the essence of modern R&B, showcasing The-Dream's vocal range and songwriting finesse.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
IV Play showcases strong production and vocal layering but has mixed songwriting consistency.
What we noticed
- The first half of the album features tracks that maintain a consistent mid-tempo groove, while the second half introduces more varied tempos and styles.
- Several tracks incorporate layered vocal harmonies, with The-Dream often singing multiple lines in unison or harmony to create a rich texture.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- sultry late-night vibes
- dynamic flow with peaks
- hypnotic beats for relaxation
- intimate moments of connection
- exploration of love themes
Maybe skip if you
- seeking high-energy dance tracks
- prefer straightforward song structures
Where this album fits
- Career context
- IV Play is The-Dream's fourth studio album, released after a four-year hiatus following his 2009 album Love King. By 2013, The-Dream had solidified his reputation as a leading figure in the R&B genre, known for his innovative sound and songwriting prowess, contributing to hits for other artists while shaping his own distinct style.
- Stylistic neighbors
- T-Pain· Miguel· PartyNextDoor
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 High Art 4:29
- 2 IV Play 5:38
- 3 Equestrian 4:24
- 4 Pussy 3:58
- 5 Turnt 3:46
- 6 Where Have You Been 3:51
- 7 Too Early 5:36
- 8 Michael 4:54
- 9 Loving You/Crazy 6:52
- 10 New Orleans 4:08
- 11 Self-Conscious 3:08
- 12 Holy Love 3:37
- 13 Outro 0:23
- 14 Slow It Down 4:10
- 15 Divine 4:26
- 16 Y'all 5:32
- 17 Tron 3:38
- 18 Psycho 4:18
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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