Throughout the changing times for R&B, Tank continues to stand out as an artist. His polished vocals, piano playing and songwriting combine for great music often – whether he’s singing on his own or as a member of TGT. If anyone needs evidence of this, look no further than Tank’s latest album — Sex, Love & Pain 2.
The project is a sequel to his 2007 LP, which became a career-defining moment due to the quality of songs like “Please Don’t Go” and “Coldest.” Sequels tend to be tough to pull off, but Tank proves to be up for the challenge from the very first song. On the title track, he pays homage to ‘90s R&B with synths and harmonies that immediately bring Jodeci to mind. Tank sings, “Sex, love and pain, too/I want it all, I want it all/And whatever you need from me/I’ll give it to you, I will.”
These lyrics set the stage for the variety of topics discussed on the rest of the album. From celebrating the one you love to fighting for forgiveness, from admitting fault to boasting about no one being a better match – Tank covers a lot of ground in the span of 11 songs.
The various song topics allow him to bring variety to the sound of his songs as well. As a result, you get “#BDAY,” a collaboration with Chris Brown, Siya and Sage the Gemini. As an artist known for great ballads, Tank might surprise fans when they hear this single. However, he and his peers prove to have chemistry as they make a song that’ll be heard at many parties and radio stations. Other songs that combine sounds of today’s R&B with Tank’s vocals are “I Love Ya,” which features Yo Gotti, and “So Cold.” He celebrates quick thrills on the former while he calls them “temporary fixes” for heartbreak on the latter. Yet, neither song comes off as a desperate attempt at trends. On each of them, fans will hear elements of Tank’s past work, such as impressive vocal runs and reflective lyrics.
For those looking strictly for what they know Tank for, he has moments like “Better for You.” With a piano-driven beat and soulful singing, the song proves to be powerful. First, Tank points out his faults by saying, “I could hear you, but I didn’t listen/I was near you, now you gone missin’.” He then conveys the betrayal felt by the woman in his life. Tank responds on the chorus with, “I know I ain’t close to the man you need me to be, I see,” but pleads for the chance to be better.
On another standout song, ‘90s R&B proves to be an influence again, this time in the form of a collaborator rather than the song’s sound. On “Already in Love,” Tank is joined by Shawn Stockman — a member of the legendary group Boyz II Men. The two make a smooth ode as they proclaim what they’ll bring to the women they love. Tank and Shawn’s voices complement each other well and they convey a joy just as strong as any other emotion expressed on the album.
With this in mind, Tank’s latest offering is a strong addition to his catalog. On the album, Tank continues to embody the traits of classic R&B but doesn’t shy away from experimentation. This effort helps him balance the admiration for the one he loves on “You Don’t Know” with the arrogant pursuit of an ex on “Him Her Them.” With SLP2, Tank becomes the latest R&B veteran to display the progression that’s often needed for a long career in music.
