What makes Tru by Lloyd notable?

'Tru' was well-received by critics, earning praise for its mature themes and slick production. It showcased Lloyd's ability to blend traditional R&B with modern influences, positioning him alongside contemporaries like Khalid and SZA, and solidifying his relevance in the genre. In 2018, Lloyd released 'Tru' as his first studio album in nearly a decade after a hiatus following his 2011 project 'King of Hearts'. This release marked a return to the music scene, showcasing his growth as an artist while reestablishing his presence in contemporary R&B amidst a changing musical landscape.

Tru works well if you're into steady mid-tempo groove experience, heartfelt introspection for reflection and for evening relaxation.

How many songs are on Tru?

Tru has 11 tracks, running approximately 46 minutes.

Tru

Lloyd · 2018

46 min · 11 tracks · contemporary R&B

Smooth, modern R&B threads together intimate lyrics and lush melodies that explore themes of love and connection.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
My Bestie — This track highlights Lloyd's skill in crafting relatable narratives about friendship and loyalty, encapsulated in a catchy melody that resonates with listeners.
→
Caramel — With its sultry vibe and romantic lyrics, this song showcases Lloyd's vocal prowess and ability to create an intimate atmosphere that draws listeners in.
→
Heavenly Body — The smooth production paired with evocative lyrics makes this track a standout, illustrating Lloyd's knack for merging sensuality with soulful melodies.
→
Tru — 'Tru' serves as the album's title track and emotional centerpiece, reflecting on authenticity in relationships with heartfelt sincerity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

59 /100

Treeline

Higher than 57% of albums we've rated

Lloyd's 'Tru' combines modern production with intimate songwriting, making it a solid return to form.

What we noticed

The album opens with a spoken word intro that sets an intimate tone, followed by tracks that maintain a smooth mid-tempo pace.
Several songs feature layered vocal harmonies and call-and-response sections, enhancing the emotional connection in the lyrics.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 6/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 7/10

Influence 3/10

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

steady mid-tempo groove experience
heartfelt introspection for reflection
for evening relaxation
smooth melodies for easy listening
engaging storytelling throughout tracks

Maybe skip if you

seeking high-energy party vibes
prefer short, standalone tracks

Where this album fits

Career context: In 2018, Lloyd released 'Tru' as his first studio album in nearly a decade after a hiatus following his 2011 project 'King of Hearts'. This release marked a return to the music scene, showcasing his growth as an artist while reestablishing his presence in contemporary R&B amidst a changing musical landscape.
Stylistic neighbors: Trey Songz· Chris Brown· Usher