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With aspirations to revive the R&B scene to the status of legendary Marvin Gaye, Smokey Robinson, and Al Green, Tank has set up some high expectations for himself. On his third album, Sex Love & Pain, Tank exercises his well-ranged vocal talents but falls slightly short, lyrically.

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It is shocking to hear some of the bland verses, coming from an artist who has written music for contemporary R&B musicians. Tank has penned songs for Tyrese, Omarion, Chris Brown, and Jamie Foxx and sang back-up vocals for Ginuwine and the late Aaliyah. His debut album, Force of Nature, was released in 2001 with favorable reviews. In 2002, he released his sophomore album, One Man, which left fans high and dry.

On his latest, Tank goes back to the basics. “Please Don’t Go,” the first single to hit the radio, is an obvious classic for contemporary R&B fans. Tank pleas with a melodic force that will leave you with a deep sympathetic impression. From here, the emotional rollercoaster continues with tracks like “I Hate U” to “I Love U.” There is soulful tenderness and hints of hip-hop in “I’m Coming Home” and “Who Dat.”

Tank contributes to most of the album’s production. The last track, however, is produced by, the one and only, Timbaland. “I Love Them Girlz” is a hot track that is a complete contrast to the previous 11 tracks. Tank and Timb chant about strippers; “I love them girls named Fantasy/I love them girls named Ecstasy/I love them girls and the way they bounce for me/And if you feelin’ me throw up your ones with me.” While the song is just as addictive as “sex, love, and pain,” it makes listeners question Tank’s intentions.

These days artists make a name for themselves through their fresh, unique sound. Tank’s style has so many remnants of artists like Joe, Keith Sweat, Babyface, and Bryan McKnight, he better be prepared to defend himself against those that just see him as another generic R&B singer.

Download:  “I Love Them Girlz” feat. Timbaland

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