The-Dream

The-Dream has said his third album is “deeper than space,” but it’s more like a victory lap ”“ a plush, pleasure-packed album on which the Atlanta singer-songwriter plays the hyperconfident Lothario and avoids risks. At times the self-described “R&B Gorilla” keeps his touch too light: The melodies here don’t stick like classic Dream-penned tracks such as ”˜Mr Yeah’ (or ”˜Umbrella’). Love King is the soul-music equivalent of Dream’s beloved Patrón: Not exactly eccentric, but finely crafted and intoxicating.

Key Tracks: ”˜F.I.L.A.,’ ”˜Love King,’ ”˜Florida University’