Tank
Now or Never

by: Christina Calloway on Dec 30 2010
Above average: Not too shabby, commendable effort
3.5
With a title like Now or Never, Tank's fourth album suggests his first release on Atlantic Records is his chance to break free of being one of the most underrated male R&B singers in the industry. Instead Now or Never features Tank staying in the pocket with themes that best suit his artistry-sex and love. While his previous albums feature more up-tempo songs with his hit pleading ballads like Maybe I Deserve and Please Don't Go sprinkled in between, Now or Never is smoother and low-key focusing on the sensuality of sex and love whether it be in joy or heartbreak. The lead single Sex Music is a perfect introduction for the album's tone even as the only truly up-tempo song on the album. After Sex Music the tracks really present no climax or ending that showcase Tank's ability to try anything different than his previous musical efforts. Although not necessarily a bad thing, Now or Never has its place as an album that can be played seamlessly for a late night purpose. Tank's voice won't disappoint with his strong and confident vocals providing a sensual auditory experience best on Scream, Can I, and Emergency. Neither of the album's features add much to the overall tone-Chris Brown on Foreplay seems immature and an ill-matched duet of vocal tones; and with Drake (everyone's recent go-to guy for a vulnerable, introspective verse) on Celebration Tank should have left well enough alone as the track is solid but the feature sounds like a last minute add-on. Now or Never does provide an opportunity to hear Tank perform love ballads in a different vain from his previous hits on You Mean That Much To Me and I Can't Make You Love Me. Now or Never will not be Tank's definitive album (as the title suggests) however, he definitely solidifies his position as a talented R&B singer/songwriter maintaining his lane.
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