Sex Love & Pain

The third album by R&B loverman Tank offers up more smooth urban contemporary grooves tailor-made for deep, soulful seduction. Tank's upbringing in the church is in ample evidence throughout in his impassioned, gospel-infused delivery, but most of the topics on Sex Love & Pain wouldn't pass muster with the local Reverend. The vibe of the album is generally low-key, with bright, keys-heavy arrangements and call-and-response vocals with backup singers (further contributing to the churchified feel), but Tank keeps things intimate with his pleading, flexible tenor and boudoir themes. Fans of Ginuwine, Omarion, and R. Kelly should check this one out.