Love vs Money
by The-Dream
  • Record Label: Def Jam
  • Release Date: Mar 10, 2009
Metascore
83

Universal acclaim - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 0 out of 13
  1. AllMusic
    90
    Ultimately, Love vs Money is Love/Hate's equal, stuffed with hooks, ceaselessly absorptive productions, and clever and often funny wordplay.
  2. Billboard
    80
    The-Dream has definitely bypassed the sophomore slump with "Love Vs. Money." The songwriter-cum-singer pushes the envelope production-wise (incorporating more of his Prince influences, among others) as well as lyrically.
  3. Boston Globe
    80
    Unlike his spotty debut, this is a seamless, brilliantly produced affair featuring his unmatched contemporary pop technique and songwriting craftsmanship.
  5. cokemachineglow
    65
    Not the first single (“Rockin’ That Shit”) or the second (“My Love”) but hopefully the third, the title track of Love vs. Money is the sole moment where The-Dream’s artistry is actualized through, how else, an epiphany of self-loathing and regret.
  6. Delusions of Adequacy
    90
    Now, with Love vs. Money, Nash has been able to not only add a worthy addition but if this isn’t the best album the genre has seen and heard in the past year, I don’t know what is.
  7. Entertainment Weekly
    58
    That alpha-jerk machismo is mitigated somewhat by the intoxicating future-soul sonics on songs like 'Right Side of My Brain.' But The-Dream's vision of romance mostly plays like a nightmare.
  8. Observer Music Monthly
    80
    Terius "The Dream" Nash is the song-writer behind Rihanna's Umbrella and other more intriguing than average R&B hits. His second album continues the theme, with assistance from Kanye West.
  9. PopMatters
    60
    Cliche love songs, too many similar beats and melodies, and a lack of energy all pull the album down, and when the album is composed in a way that should be fully appreciated in its entirety, the lack of variety affect the album’s success even more.
  10. Prefix Magazine
    85
    Except for the intense, melodramatic middle mentioned above, every other track on this album could be a successful single.
  11. Rolling Stone
    90
    There isn't a weak song on Money; most of them are unforgettable.
  12. Slant Magazine
    80
    Instead of begging to be repeated, the rest of the album's songs are best savored as a whole--a weird assessment of an R&B album, which usually sink or swim on their ability to capture you right away.
  13. Tiny Mix Tapes
    90
    Love vs. Money exists, much like its creator, [is] stuck somewhere between timely and timeless, kind of like a dream, the infectious, can’t-get-out-of-your-head variety.
  14. Vibe
    90
    The craft is meticulous, and the sound so epic, and at times, operatic, with production from Tricky Stewart (The-Dream’s silent partner in his corporation of hits), that moments on this album comprise some of the best pop music of the decade.

Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Best Album of 2009
46
#46 Most Discussed Album of 2009
32
#32 Most Shared Album of 2009

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.4

Universal acclaim- based on 50 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 42 out of 50
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 50
  3. Negative: 5 out of 50
  1. Supermanhere
    Jun 18, 2013
    10
    WOW Great music seriously brilliant masterpiece The-Dream never ever disappoints its a must BUY all his albums are good never released a badWOW Great music seriously brilliant masterpiece The-Dream never ever disappoints its a must BUY all his albums are good never released a bad album ever… Full Review »
  2. marsb4
    Aug 20, 2010
    8
    Its a great album its actually not better than the first which I wonder why it is not on here the cd is so great with superb melodies andIts a great album its actually not better than the first which I wonder why it is not on here the cd is so great with superb melodies and great storytelling cause his first cd was about love with a hint of hate but mostly just sex, love and having fun I rate this a 8 would have been excellent if he would not have had a bad ending to a good cd hint hint "Let Me See Your Booty"… Full Review »
  3. Boo
    Sep 20, 2009
    9
    Excellent CD. I love to listen to it. Not better than Love/Hate but a fun CD nonetheless.
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