My Love

Since the mega-success of Rihanna's "Umbrella" in 2007, the-Dream has retained the writing/production Midas touch on the Billboard Hot 100, scoring some of the biggest singles of the past few years (Beyoncé's "Single Ladies [Put a Ring on It]," Mariah Carey's "Touch My Body"). While he has logged four solo top 10 R&B hits, major crossover success has eluded him thus far. However, the second single "My Love," from his sophomore album, "Love vs. Money" (March 10), may rewrite the history books. Atop a finger-snappin' midtempo groove, the-Dream plays Romeo in a relationship others would like to see fail: "Endless love I always provide/They hatin' on us and you should know why." The extra boost comes from Carey, who sings as if she relates wholeheartedly to the lyric, giving a gutsy, husky performance at the climax. It's a sumptuous love anthem for couples this spring. —Chris Williams