Tank
Stronger
(Atlantic Records)
Two stars
Tank made a mark in R&B over the years for earnestly pouring his heart out on ballads such as Maybe I Deserve and Please Don't Go, as well as writing songs for Jamie Foxx, Aaliyah and others. Showing passion is Tank's strong suit, but the singer lacks some of that fervour on his latest release, Stronger. He sounds like a different version of himself on the first half of his sixth album and that's not a good thing. On the upbeat tracks Dance with Me and I Gotta Have It, he fails with simple lyrics and draggy production. Same Way is also an unattractive melody that lacks spirit and swagger. But Tank finds his stride towards the end of the 10-track album, especially flourishing on Hope This Makes You Love Me, as he looks to prove his worth to his mate. His lyrics are more fine-tuned on the smooth piano-driven songs If That's What It Takes and Thanking You. The title song is also a winner, saving Tank's album from being a total disappointment.