Songz Breaks Down ‘Passion, Pain and Pleasure’

UrbanBridgez.com August 16, 2010

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“While the words Passion, Pain and Pleasure immediately invoke sexual thoughts, for me they have become somewhat of a personal mantra because they so accurately describe this time in my life,” says Trey Songz. “The passion I have for my art fuels my drive and work ethic, while the sacrifice of my personal life to benefit my career will always be a source of pain. The pleasure that I derive from my work and my accomplishments make everything worth it. When I began conceptualizing the new album, these three words stuck in my head. They completely infiltrated my creative process, so it was inevitable that they became the album title.“

“PASSION, PAIN & PLEASURE” is Songz’ hugely anticipated follow-up to 2009’s RIAA gold-certified smash, “READY.” From the bouncy first single, “Bottoms Up (Feat. Nicki Minaj)” to the driving, rock-infused “Blind,” the new album sees the Virginia-based R&B superstar energized and evolving as he continues to refine his mastery of of sultry, soulful songcraft.

“This album is a step closer to me recording without inhibitions,” says Songz. “It embodies the best parts of ‘READY’ with the heart of ‘ANTICIPATION’ and the originality of ‘I GOTTA MAKE IT.’”

Songz enlisted a company of gifted producers to accompany him on his artistic journey, including Bei Maejor, Tha Bizness, Mario Winans, Mark Jackson, Kane Beatz and, of course, his longtime production partner, Songbook Entertainment founder Troy Taylor. As ever, Trey displays effortless vocal dexterity while simultaneously relaying complex emotional depth and power. The throbbing, minimalist “Can’t Be Friends” and the classic R&B romance of “Please Return My Call” reveal reflective and introspective themes of love and human relations, stressing the sensual above the overtly sexual.

“This is the album where I talk to the people who think all I can sing about is sex,” says Songz. “I take a step further out of that realm, although I do keep one foot in.”

“PASSION, PAIN & PLEASURE” marks Songz’ first new release since making the transition from rapidly rising young artist to bonafide R&B superstar. “READY” was a true breakthrough, giving Trey his first-ever Billboard 200 Top Ten debut on its way to RIAA gold certification. Fueled by an infinite streak of hit singles – including “I Need A Girl,” “LOL (Feat. Gucci Mane and Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em),” “Successful (Drake & Trey Songz),” “I Invented Sex,” “Neighbors Know My Name,” and “Say Aah” – “READY” received a Grammy Award nomination for “Best Contemporary R&B Album.”

An assortment of major awards followed, including the prestigious title of “Best Male R&B Artist” at the 2010 BET Awards. That triumph capped an extraordinary year that included touring as both headliner and special guest on Jay-Z’s massive “BP3 Tour 2010,” numerous TV appearances, and star-studded recording sessions like Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones’ new version of “We Are The World,” benefiting Haitian earthquake relief organizations. All that and more was documented in Trey’s hugely popular docu-series, My Moment. An unqualified ratings sensation, the 10-part BET documentary provided an exclusive window into Songz’ life and career, chronicling everything up to and including the making of the new album.

The late, great Atlantic Records founder Ahmet Ertegun once declared Trey to be “among the most promising R&B artists we have had on Atlantic since we started the company 60 years ago.” That promise long fulfilled, “PASSION, PAIN & PLEASURE” now confidently confirms Trey Songz’ rightful place at the very forefront of contemporary urban music.

“I’ve had three albums before this, but only one was really a hit,” he says. “This album will show that I’m not going anywhere.”