Just in case you don’t remember her name, here’s a quick refresh… Remember 3LW? Yeah, she was a member. Still lost? Okay, she played Lil Kim in Notorious. Yes, her. Well now she’s moving on into new ground, starring in the upcoming remake of dance musical Fame, in theaters September 25th. As lead star and singer, she takes on the original theme song for the movie, and I think she does it justice. Check it out…

Can we say Auto-tune overload?? This track has a southern bounce type feel to it but I don’t know if it’s the hit that the two B2K alumni were hoping for… Bounce is set to appear on the soundtrack to Bring It On #482730 (seriously, aren’t they done with this franchise??) starring Christina Milian. I’m not really feelin the song, save for the hook… the video shots of Ms. Milian make it worth it though…

Don’t we all? I mean, really… this should be a theme song for everyone. This is the new video from Songz and Drake, with this version appearing on Songz’ new album Ready in stores today. The somber nature of this video fits the song, not celebratory just reflective of the past and hopeful for the future. Sometimes we all look back at what could have been, but remain greatful and hopeful for what is and what is to come. Sound-Savvy wishes Trey Songz the best on release day #3…

Artist: Trey Songz
Album: Ready
Release Date: 8.31.09 (pushed up from 9.1.09)

Be sure to check out our exclusive interview discussing READY!

The Good: The baby-makers are not in short supply on this album, as you could probably tell by the titles: Panty Dropper Intro, Neighbors Know My Name, Invented Sex. While those are okay, the real jewels of the album are found in songs like One Love, a mature ballad led by a piercing guitar rift. There’s an energetic vibe on the champagne-touting club hit Say Aah which features rapper Fabolous. Jupiter Love is one of the best among the slow jams, very intimate and perfect for that late night intimate playtime. The latter part of the album exposes the man beyond the playboy façade starting with the Bei Maejor contribution Black Roses, which stands out with a new sound for Songz. Love Lost takes me back to my MJ days, a la Human Nature, and while lyrically it’s not the best, the vocals and production here are excellent. Yo Side of the Bed is another favorite, originally heard on the Anticipation mixtape with another amazing guitar rift to close out the album. The singles Successful and I Need A Girl are also on this project.

The Bad: If sequence is truly important, as he stated in his exclusive Sound-Savvy interview, then LOL is clearly the exception to that rule. No matter how catchy the hook, this is the one song that does not fit on the album, and breaks the focus completely. The fact that it’s right in the middle doesn’t help. Beyond that, there’s not much else to dislike about the album, but I will say that the constant sex talk gets a bit much after a while; there’s a reference to sex in almost every song on the album.

The Bottom Line: If you’ve heard Trey’s Anticipation mixtape, you already know what to expect here. There are plenty of good vocals throughout, and there’s enough sexual content to increase the population at least twice with each purchase. Without a doubt this is Songz’ masterpiece, undeniably the most consistent and best delivered project of his career thus far. Conceptually, Ready is a relationship walkthrough, from meeting to meltdown, with all the emotions experienced along the way. Some singers get it right the first time, and some have to try a few times to get it right. With Ready, Trey Songz got it right.

Sound-Savvy rates Ready with 4 out of 5 platinum headphones.

Didn’t really care too much for this song at first, but it’s growing on me. I like the feel of this video, very raw, very street, very energetic, like the song. Mary’s new album Stronger is due out on November 24.

A new sound for John Legend and I must say I’m impressed with how he’s evolving his sound. Just when I was getting bored with the elevator-style, he steps it up some more. Really diggin Freak Out! Kinda mellow, kinda mysterious…

Audio: John Legend – Freak Out

I’ve done my share of Soulja Boy hatin’, I have no problem admitting that. The stuff he calls music I mostly consider garbage. I’ve always respected his hustle, never really respected his music. However, his remix to Successful – now that’s something to give ear to. If what he says is true and that his ignorant style of music was all molded by the label and execs around him, then this might be a glimpse into who Soulja Boy really is as an artist. He’s no Nas or Hov, but in this song I hear potential. Nice one Deandre…

P.S. I do NOT care for this video, save for the Creative Rec kicks… here’s the audio file if u want it…
Download: Soulja Boy – Successful.mp3 (Drake/Songz cover)

I’ve soooooo been waiting on this song to leak!! I doubt that this is the full version or the final edit of the song since Mariah fudges the lyrics at the beginning (should be “in case I need it when I’m OLDER”) This cover Foreigner’s classic is amazing, yet I’m torn between her version and Leela James’. Mariah might not use the pipes as often as she did in the 90’s, but it sounds like they’re still in there somewhere. I wonder if she could do this live…
Memoirs of An Imperfect Angel… September 29.Listen after the jump…

Audio: Mariah Carey – I Want To Know What Love Is

Video after the jump…

DOWNLOAD: Jay Rock – D.O.A. (Remix)

DOWNLOAD: Jay-Z – Run This Town (DJ Green Lantern Mix) (Clean)
DOWNLOAD: Jay-Z – Run This Town (DJ Green Lantern Mix) (Dirty)