'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 2009s 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 song-craft.
'This album is a step closer to me 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
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
sessions like Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones' new version of 'We
Are The World,' benefiting Haitian earthquake
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 Erte 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.'