Cash Cash Instigate Dance On ‘Blood, Sweat & 3 Years’

Cash Cash delivers a pleasant listening experience on Blood, Sweat & 3 Years.

Dance albums can potentially be a boatload of fun. Dance albums can also potentially be utterly forgettable or so-so.  On latest album Blood, Sweat & 3 Years, production trio Cash Cash have some energetic and enjoyable moments.  In addition to thrills, Cash Cash also have less memorable moments.  Albums  and compilations often suffer from both triumphs and flaws.

The Discussion

There are plenty of pros. Opener, “How To Love” comes off lukewarm, but follow-up “Broken Drum” (featuring Fitz) “gets the party started.” Production tricks – namely synths –  work in “Broken Drum’s” favor. It also has a signature line:

“My heart still beats like a broken drum.”

Fitz has a terrific voice, accentuating Cash Cash’s work on the boards. “Millionaire” (featuring Digital Farm Animals & Nelly) gives Cash Cash another hit.  There are better songs, but “Millionaire” certainly serves as a highlights.  The name Nelly “locked that down” – seriously.

“Devil,” featuring Busta Rhymes, B.o.B., and Neon Hitch, is the crème de la crème.  Swag is written all over “Devil,” thanks to Neon Hitch’s confident hook and B.o.B. and Busta Rhymes’ biting rhymes.  Trap production and artistic talents aside, the best moment is catch-line:

 “The Cash Cash made my ass bounce back.”

“Devil” ignites a trio of highlights. “Devil” is the crowning achievement, but “Aftershock” is irresistible thanks to exuberant synths, major key, and Jacquie Lee’s enthused vocals.  We reexamine Trinidad James, given his solid contributions on “The Gun.”  James is joined by dance standout Dev and Chris H., who does serious work on the hook.

“Escarole,” which was released prior to Blood, Sweat & 3 Years, provides one final gem. Besides slick, minor-key production, the draw is killer catch-line, “If you don’t got money, don’t f*ck with us.” Judging by the profane proclamation, Cash Cash care about “balling.” Cue up “Balla Baby!”

Recapping, six highlights,  “Devil,” “Gun” and “Escarole” rank the highest.  The remainder of the album is okay, if forgettable or spotty. It’s difficult to envision Christina Perri on a dance album.  Therefore, “Hero” is a stretch ‘before one shot is even fired.’ “Hero” doesn’t quite ‘hit the mark.’

John Rzeznik sounds terrific on “Lightning,” but isn’t ‘the second coming.’ Give Anjulie (“Arrows in the Dark”) and Night of Terrors 1927 (“We Will Live”) credit for making their respective records interesting, thanks to profanity.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Blood, Sweat & 3 Years has a sufficient amount of worthwhile, memorable moments.  Blood, Sweat & 3 Years won’t knock your socks off,  but encourages “participation” in the car, crib, or the dancefloor.

Gems: “Broken Drum,” “Millionaire,” “Devil,” “Aftershock,” “The Gun” & “Escarole”

Cash Cash • Blood, Sweat & 3 Years • Big Beat • Released: 6.24.16