Ready (Trey Songz album)

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

Ready
Studio album by
Trey Songz
ReleasedAugust 31, 2009 (2009-08-31)
Recorded2008–09
Genre
Length58:10
Label
Producer
Trey Songz chronology
Anticipation

(2009) 		Ready
(2009) 		Passion, Pain & Pleasure
(2010)
Singles from Ready
  1. "Successful"
    Released: February 13, 2009 [2]
  2. "I Need a Girl"
    Released: April 14, 2009
  3. "LOL :-)"
    Released: August 24, 2009
  4. "I Invented Sex"
    Released: October 13, 2009
  5. "Say Aah"
    Released: January 12, 2010
  6. "Neighbors Know My Name"
    Released: February 16, 2010

Ready is the third

Los da Mystro
, among others.

The album received generally positive reviews from critics, which positively compared Ready to the work of R. Kelly, but also was criticized for this album's inconsistency. The album debuted at number 3 on the US Billboard 200, selling 131,000 copies in its first week. The album was a certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), becoming Songz's first certified album. 4 years later, Ready was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

The album was supported by five singles, including the top ten

52nd Grammy Awards; but lost to Beyoncé Knowles' I Am... Sasha Fierce
.

Background and production

When Songz began recording for Ready; the purpose of the album was to crossover and increase his exposure on radio. The album's lead single, "I Need a Girl" was released to connect to mainstream radio. Songz said that "[it] was a very radio-geared record which would do great and play on radio heavily during whatever time. It wasn't a record I expected to last forever, or one I was even excited about singing, but it was a record I knew would do well." Speaking of the following singles, Songz thought that "I Invented Sex" would be a "career-defining record, and I knew 'Say Aah' would be a monster club record."[3][4]

Speaking on his collaborations with the producers, Songz said that on Ready, "we're breaking down every song, every hook, every chorus, every bridge, and we're making sure every song is the best song it could be. This album isn't just going to be a compilation of songs, but a classic body of work."

rapper Fabolous
was added as a guest feature on the track, titled "Say Aah".

Songz said that compared to his previous albums, "this album is very adult, very easygoing and very sexy [...] My first album was very adult-like, but in a different, more soulful, sample-driven kind of way, and my second one was more contemporary and trendy." To reflect his transition into adulthood and the changes in his music, Songz changed his appearance by cutting off his trademark braids.[5] Songz also began dressing in more sophisticated attire, trading in sneakers and T-shirts for vests, tailored pants, and "tasteful" shoes.[7] On the appearance change, Songz's mentor, producer, and the head of Songbook Entertainment, Troy Taylor said, "Trey's from the streets, he's a hood kid. He wasn't glamorous and (didn't have) the finer things in life growing up, [...] He didn't want to lose his street-ism, [...] As he grew into it I think he began to realize, 'Wait a minute, this ain't that bad after all,' and then he got the ladies' opinions."[7][8]

After Ready's success, Songz explained that the album was a result of his growth and new-found maturity.[9] Commenting about the success of his singles, Songz stated that "they're very strong records and they're not just radio records. They're records that embody the person I am as well as the artist I am. I think they're more definitive of who I am than any other album I've had. I've grown as an artist. I've been doing this for awhile [sic] now. As I've matured, I've learned how to exude that of which I want to be felt. I've learned what my fans want from me and things of that nature."[9]

Composition

"Say Aah"
Songz's first top ten hit is electronica-driven hip-hop.
"Neighbors Know My Name"
The album's fifth single, which contains a "knocking bassline."
Problems playing these files? See media help.

Ready is an

Usher and Justin Timberlake[15]

Melanie Bertoli of

Human.[10][17] "LOL :-)" is lyrically about sexting, while featuring a "ringtone-ready" chorus, and heavy percussion.[18]

Promotion

Promoting the album, a major online campaign was launched, his blog site, SeeFurtherThanIAm.com, on which Songz streams live chats and behind-the-scenes videos.

Young Jeezy.[19]

In addition to the online and touring promotion, Songz made an appearance with his mother and younger-half brother, Forrest, to perform at AMBER Ready Back-to-School Safety Weekend at ABC Studios in

BET's 106 & Park on August 31, 2009, September 1, 2009 and September 2, 2009, performing a medley of "Successful", "I Need a Girl" and "LOL :-)" on the latter date.[21] He performed "I Need a Girl" on September 9, 2009, on The Wendy Williams Show.[22]

Singles

The album's

B-side.[23] "I Need a Girl" received positive to mixed reviews, with some critics comparing it to "Can't Help But Wait" and others noting it as generic.[14] The song peaked at 59 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number 6 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs.[24]

Songz appeared as a featured artist on

Drake's single, "Successful"; the song peaked at number 17 on the Billboard Hot 100, and was a success on other charts, while reaching at numbers 3 and 2 on the US Top R&B/Hip-Hop and Top Rap Songs charts, respectively. Although it was not released as a dual single for Songz and Drake, Songz included this track for Ready, and then sans with the other featured guest by Lil Wayne, and the addition of another by himself.[25]

"

Soulja Boy Tell 'Em, was released to airplay as the album's second single on August 24, 2009.[26] The song received generally positive reviews, while peaking at number 51 on the US Billboard Hot 100.[18][24]

"

Usher, was released.[28]

The album's fourth single, "

Pop Songs chart, and his first to chart internationally, charting on the Canadian Hot 100.[24]

"Neighbors Know My Name"; the album's fifth and final single was released on February 16, 2010, and it received generally positive reviews, while reaching at number 43 on the US Billboard Hot 100, and number 4 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs, giving Songz his third consecutive top five single and fifth top ten single from Ready.[24]

Other songs

Although it was not released as a single, the music video for "Yo Side of the Bed", in which Keri Hilson portrayed Songz's love interest, was filmed and released.[29]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic
[11]
MSN Music (Consumer Guide)(dud)[30]
The New York Timesfavorable[31]
NewsdayB−[15]
Now[13]
PopMatters5/10[17]
Rolling Stone[32]
Tiny Mix Tapes[18]
USA Today[10]
The Village Voicefavorable[12]

Ready received mostly positive reviews from professional critics, which received an aggregate score of 67 out of 100. The score, indicating "generally favorable reviews" was based on six reviews from website Metacritic.

Allmusic said that "Even at a whopping 17 like-minded tracks, all-night lovers wouldn't be caught dead complaining about how overly long it all is", commenting that Ready "is as entertaining and frivolous as a one-night stand should be."[11] Ken Capobianco of The Boston Globe said that Songz had developed as a vocalist stating his voice was more "elastic" and he used his falsetto "judiciously."[1] Capobianco commended tracks like "Be Where You Are," and "Love Lost", commenting that "tracks like that show that he is indeed ready for the next step."[1] Andrew Rennie of Now said, "slight deviations from R&B's classic formula allow Trey Songz wiggle room to play with his multi-octave voice. This offering sets him apart from other acts and may secure his spot in the canon of bedroom crooners."[13] Glenn Gamboa of Newsday said that after making his name for singing hooks on rap songs, that he "shows his smooth R&B vocals can hold the spotlight all on their own."[15] Rolling Stone gave the album 3½ out of 5 stars and wrote that Songz "takes cues from R. Kelly, slyly mocking the self-parodying excesses of boudoir R&B while supplying the utilitarian goods: the sumptuous vocal harmonies and sultry beats upon which long nights beneath ceiling mirrors depend".[32] A writer for USA Today said the album reflects his broad appeal, and that Songz's proves "he's comfortable as a rogue or romantic. Even though the review pointed out that "he occasionally falls back on booty-call clichés," it did point out that "his song craft shines on the edgy "Black Roses" and regretful "Love Lost."[33] Jon Caramanica of The New York Times said, " 'Ready' is one of the year's most promising R&B albums, and a curious one at that", commenting, "the results are bawdy but never lecherous; sometimes all his enthusiastic bedroom talk has an air of childlike goofiness to it, as if he were thrilled to get away with boasting so freely."[31] Sean Fennesssy of The Village Voice called the album "one of the year's best..."[12]

Despite viewing it imperfect and noting Songz had not mastered the balancing act "between being a horny boy and ladies' man", Mark Edward Nero of

Best Contemporary R&B Album in 2010.[35]

Commercial performance

Ready debuted at number three on the US

I Look To You (2009).[36] The album charted at number two on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums charts.[37] On February 16, 2010, the album was certified gold in sales, by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), following shipments in excess of 500,000 copies in the United States.[38] It is Songz's first RIAA-certified album.[35]
On June 11, 2014, the album was certified platinum.

Track listing

No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Panty Droppa (Intro)"
  • Taylor
  • Hayes
1:27
2."Neighbors Know My Name"
  • Neverson
  • Taylor
  • Taylor
  • Hayes
  • McGee*
3:06
3."
Drake
)
Los da Mystro4:08
4."I Need a Girl"
  • StarGate
  • Austin
3:34
5."One Love"
  • Cox
  • Austin
4:17
6."Does He Do It"
  • Garrett
  • Hudson
3:01
7."Say Aah" (featuring Fabolous)
  • Neverson
  • Don Corell
  • Ronald "Young Yonny" Ferebee, Jr.
  • Taylor
  • John Jackson
  • Corell
  • Young Yonny
  • Taylor
3:27
8."
Soulja Boy Tell 'Em
)
Fisha & Pryce4:08
9."Ready to Make Luv"
  • Neverson
  • Taylor
Taylor1:21
10."Jupiter Love"
  • Neverson
  • Taylor


  • Taylor
  • McGee
4:34
11."Be Where You Are"
  • Neverson
  • Christopher "Deep" Henderson
Deep4:00
12."Successful" (with Drake)
  • Neverson
  • Noah "40" Shebib
  • Graham
40
4:26
13."Black Roses"
  • Neverson
  • Brandon Green
Bei Maejor
3:34
14."Love Lost"
  • Neverson
  • Taylor
  • Neverson
  • Taylor
3:44
15."Hollalude"
  • Neverson
  • Taylor
Taylor1:16
16."Holla If Ya Need Me"
  • Neverson
  • Taylor
  • Chris Hines
  • Taylor
  • Hines
4:05
17."Yo Side of the Bed"
  • Neverson
  • Taylor
  • Hayes
  • Taylor
  • Hayes
4:10
Deluxe edition (bonus tracks)
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
18."Brand New"
Soundz3:42
19."Scratchin' Me Up"
  • Neverson
  • Taylor
Taylor4:09
20."You Belong to Me"
  • Neverson
  • Murphy D.
  • Taylor
  • McGee
  • Taylor
3:54
  • (*) designates a co-producer.

Personnel

Credits for Ready adapted from

Allmusic.[39]

  • Rebeca Alexis – stylist
  • Johnta Austin
    – executive producer
  • Greg Gigendad Burke – art direction, design
  • Mike Caren – A&R
  • Mark B. Christensen – mastering
  • Don Corell – producer
  • Dwayne Cotton – guitar
  • Bryan-Michael Cox – producer, instrumentation
  • Mikkel S. Eriksen
    – engineer, instrumentation
  • Jaycen Joshua Fowler – mixing
  • Wayne Washington – A&R
  • Sean Garrett – producer
  • Rob Gold – photo production
  • Paul Gregory – liner notes
  • Dionnee Harper – marketing
  • Patrick Hayes – producer
  • Christopher "Deep" Henderson – keyboards, background vocals, producer, drum programming
  • T.E. Hermansen
    – engineer
  • Chris Hines – producer
  • Jean-Marie Horvat – mixing
  • Josh Houghkirk – mixing assistant
  • Eric Hudson – producer
  • Patrick Collier - engineer
  • Espen Lind
    – guitar
  • Giancarlo Lino – mixing assistant
  • Craig Love – guitar
  • Bei Maejor
    – producer
  • Jack Manning – background vocals
  • John McGee – producer
  • Carlos "Los Da Mystro" McKinney
    – arranger, conductor, producer
  • Delant "Butta" Murphy – executive producer, management
  • Scott Naughton – engineer
  • Tremaine Neverson
    – lead vocals, producer, executive producer
  • Dave Pensado – mixing
  • Tony "Chef Tone" Scales
    – producer
  • Paul Gregory Senior – liner notes
  • Noah "40 Shebib
    – producer, engineer, mixing
  • Phil Tan – mixing
  • Troy Taylor – producer, engineer, executive producer
  • Sam Thomas – engineer
  • Carolyn Tracey – package production
  • Miles Walker – engineer
  • Ben Watts – photography
  • DeAndre Way
    – featured vocals
  • Isaac West – bass
  • Amir Windom - A&R

Charts

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
United States (RIAA)[46] Platinum 1,000,000^

^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.

References

  1. ^
    Boston Globe
    . Retrieved July 3, 2010.
  2. ^ "Drake and Trey Songz New Video: "Successful"". August 31, 2009.
  3. Express. Archived from the original
    on September 4, 2010. Retrieved September 5, 2010.
  4. ^ Micallef, Ken (November 1, 2008). "Wizard of Oz: Bryan-Michael Cox". Electronic Musician. Archived from the original on October 29, 2013. Retrieved September 3, 2010.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g Concepcion, Mariel (July 31, 2009). "Trey Songz 'Ready' To Grow Up On Third Album". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved July 4, 2010.
  6. Chicago Defender. Archived from the original on June 9, 2012. Retrieved April 21, 2013.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link
    )
  7. ^ a b "AP: R&B crooner Trey Songz is ready for the world". Atlantic Records/Trey Songz.com. Associated Press. January 22, 2010. Archived from the original on April 19, 2010. Retrieved July 4, 2010.
  8. ^ "Trey Songz Interview With GoWhereHipHop.com". TreySongz.com, Atlantic Records. August 27, 2009. Archived from the original on March 12, 2017. Retrieved July 5, 2010.
  9. ^ a b "Trey Songz Calls Ready 'Definitive' Album". Singersroom. March 7, 2010. Retrieved July 5, 2010.
  10. ^ a b c Mansfield, Brian; Shriver, Jerry; Jones, Steve; Gundersen, Edna (September 1, 2009). "Listen Up: Chevelle's 'Sci-Fi Crimes' is arresting rock 'n' roll". USA Today. Gannett Co. Inc. Retrieved July 7, 2010.
  11. ^
    Allmusic
    . Retrieved July 3, 2010.
  12. ^ a b c Fennessey, Sean (September 29, 2009). "The (Almost)-40-Year-Old Sex Fiend: Ghostface Killah". The Village Voice. Retrieved July 3, 2010.
  13. ^ a b c Rennie, Andrew. "Now Magazine // Music // Trey Songz". Now. Retrieved July 3, 2010.
  14. ^
    About.com
    . Retrieved July 2, 2010.
  15. ^ a b c Gamboa, Glenn (August 31, 2009). "Trey Songz is 'Ready' with smooth R&B". Newsday. Retrieved July 3, 2010.
  16. ^ Bertoli, Melanie (April 2, 2010). "Trey Songz, "Neighbors Know My Name"". Billboard. Retrieved April 23, 2010.
  17. ^ a b c d e f Lewis, Tyler (September 10, 2009). "Trey Songz: Ready". PopMatters. Retrieved July 3, 2010.
  18. ^ a b c d e Mangat, Ajitpaul. "Trey Songz". Tiny Mix Tapes. Retrieved July 3, 2010.
  19. ^ Crosley, Hillary (September 29, 2009). "Trey Songz Talks His First Headlining Tour, Which Launches Today". MTV News. MTV Networks. Retrieved July 4, 2010.
  20. ^ "Trey @ AMBER Ready's Back 2 School Weekend!". TreySongz.com, Atlantic Records. August 17, 2009. Retrieved July 4, 2010.
  21. ^ ""Successful" Video to Premiere on Monday, 8/31 on MTV!". TreySongz.com, Atlantic Records. August 24, 2009. Retrieved July 4, 2010.
  22. ^ "Trey to Perform on Wendy Williams Tomorrow!". TreySongz.com, Atlantic Records. September 8, 2009.
  23. ^ "Amazon.com: I Need A Girl / Brand New". Amazon. Retrieved July 6, 2010.
  24. ^ a b c d e f "Trey Songz Music News & Info - Billboard.com". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. Retrieved July 6, 2010.
  25. ^ Lamarre, Carl (August 31, 2009). "Trey Songz Talks Lack of Accolades, Collabo Album With Drake & Possible 'LOL' Remix". BallerStatus.com. Archived from the original on February 8, 2010. Retrieved July 4, 2010.
  26. ^ "R&R - Going for Adds". R&R. Retrieved July 4, 2010.[permanent dead link]
  27. ^ "R&R Going for Adds - Urban - Week Of: October 13, 2009". RadioandRecords. Archived from the original on November 17, 2015. Retrieved July 6, 2010.
  28. ^ "New Music: Trey Songz f/ Usher & Keri Hilson – 'I Invented Sex (Remix)'". Rap-Up. December 7, 2009. Retrieved September 5, 2010.
  29. ^ "Video: Trey Songz f/ Keri Hilson – 'Yo Side of the Bed'". Rap-Up. Retrieved July 7, 2010.
  30. ^ a b Christgau, Robert. "Trey Songz". Robert Christgau Official Website. Retrieved October 20, 2010.
  31. ^ a b Caramanica, Jon (September 2, 2009). "He May Not Have Invented Sex, but He Sure Does Like to Sing About It". The New York Times. Retrieved July 3, 2010.
  32. ^ a b c "Ready reviews at Metacritic.com". Metacritic. Retrieved July 7, 2010.
  33. ^ Mansfield, Brian; Shriver, Jerry; Jones, Steve; Gundersen, Edna (September 1, 2009). "Listen Up: Chevelle's 'Sci-Fi Crimes' is arresting rock 'n' roll". USA Today. Retrieved July 3, 2010.
  34. ^ Christgau, Robert. "Robert Christgau: CG 90s: Key to Icons". Robert Christgau Official Website. Retrieved October 20, 2010.
  35. ^ a b Trey Songz's "READY" Certified Gold as He Prepares to Accompany Jay-Z on His Coast-to-Coast "BP3 Tour 2010". HipHopPress. Retrieved on 2010-05-30.
  36. ^ a b "Whitney Houston Debuts At No. 1 On Billboard 200". Billboard. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. September 9, 2009. Retrieved July 7, 2010.
  37. ^ "Chart History - Trey Songz: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  38. ^ "Gold & Platinum - Searchable Database: Ready". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved May 30, 2010.
  39. Allmusic
    . Retrieved July 7, 2010.
  40. ^ "Trey Songz Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  41. ^ "Trey Songz Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  42. ^ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2009". Billboard. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  43. ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2009". Billboard. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  44. ^ "Top Billboard 200 Albums – Year-End 2010". Billboard. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  45. ^ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2010". Billboard. Retrieved July 22, 2021.
  46. ^ "American album certifications – Trey Songz – Ready". Recording Industry Association of America.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Ready_(Trey_Songz_album)&oldid=1176984491"