Three Kings: A Royal Treatment or A Royal Letdown?
Was the supergroup of Tyrese, Ginuwine, and Tank too good to be true?
In 2013, the R&B supergroup TGT (Tyrese, Ginuwine, and Tank) released their highly anticipated debut album, Three Kings. It was assembled from the talents of three renowned solo artists, and the group aimed to breathe new life into R&B, a genre struggling to maintain its footing in the increasingly fragmented world of music. With high expectations, the album aimed to restore R&B to its former glory. However, despite some undeniable standout tracks, Three Kings ultimately falls short of its lofty aspirations.
The idea of forming TGT first emerged in 2007 when Tyrese, Ginuwine, and Tank realized the potential of their collaboration during a joint concert tour. As friends and established artists in their own right, they each had impressive solo careers, with Tyrese known for his soulful, emotive ballads, Ginuwine for his sultry, sensual hits, and Tank for his smooth, seductive slow jams. The trio decided to create a powerful force in R&B, aiming to bring the genre back to its essence of dynamic storytelling and soulful melodies.
Three Kings was released under Atlantic Records on August 20, ten years ago, and quickly gained attention with its lead single, “Sex Never Felt Better.” The song showcased the trio’s sensual harmonies and passionate delivery, setting the tone for the album. However, the real standout single was “I Need,” a heartfelt ballad showcasing each artist’s vocal expertise and ability to convey raw emotion severely lacking in the mainstream. The song peaked at number 24 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs chart, attesting to its impact and resonance with R&B fans.
Despite its successes, Three Kings also contains its fair share of shortcomings. While the trio’s vocal talent is undeniable, the album lacks cohesion, with some tracks feeling like they were hastily thrown together. The album’s standout tracks are overshadowed by songs with clichéd and overly familiar themes, detracting from the overall listening experience.
For instance, tracks like “Hurry” and “Weekend Love” are bogged down by repetitive lyrics and uninspired production. These songs, unfortunately, detract from the album’s stronger moments, causing it to lose momentum and drag towards the end. It’s also worth noting that at 17 tracks and 69 minutes in length, Three Kings may have benefited from a more concise and focused approach.
One such example of the album’s stronger moments is “Next Time Around,” a stirring ballad that speaks to the vulnerability and regret that come with lost love. The trio’s harmonies soar, and the song’s poignant lyrics resonate deeply. Similarly, “Explode” offers an intoxicating blend of sultry vocals and seductive production, creating a standout moment on the album that showcases the group’s potential for greatness.
While Three Kings is all over the place, denying the passion and talent of Tyrese, Ginuwine, and Tank is impossible. Their ability to evoke emotion through their vocals and harmonies is unparalleled, and their dedication to reviving the true essence of R&B is commendable. On top of that, the album did achieve its goal of reminding listeners of the power of R&B, even if it fell short in other areas.
When TGT shines, they truly shine, and it’s clear that the three artists share a deep respect and admiration for each other’s work. Their chemistry is undeniable, and their passion for the genre is evident throughout the album. It has enabled them to create some genuinely remarkable moments on the album, proving that they have the potential to be a powerful force within the R&B landscape.
The album debuted at number 3 on the Billboard 200 chart and number 1 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, with first-week sales of 76,000 copies in the United States. Although it received mixed reviews from critics, the album was nominated for Best R&B Album at the 56th Annual Grammy Awards, highlighting the potential of TGT as a collective.
Three Kings by TGT is a mixed bag—an album filled with powerful, passionate performances sometimes overshadowed by clichéd themes and lackluster production. While it may not be the groundbreaking R&B revival that fans had hoped for, the album still offers glimpses of the trio’s immense potential.
The formation of TGT, with the combined talents of Tyrese, Ginuwine, and Tank, was undoubtedly an ambitious undertaking, and Three Kings is an indication of their passion for R&B. Despite its shortcomings, the album serves as a reminder of what these three artists can achieve when they come together. This passion will likely continue to drive them forward as they strive to create an enduring legacy within the genre they love.
Three Kings may not be a perfect album, but it is important. It represents the determination of three talented artists to reclaim R&B’s essence, and for that alone, it’s worth a listen.