It seems that every time Bad Boy is on the brink the label manages to string together a couple of solid releases to make itself relevant again. With albums from Yung Joc, Cassie & Danity Kane in the last year Bad Boy is poised to regain some of it's former glory. I guess it's true when Diddy says ''We won't stop''.

Press Play comes 5 years after his 2001 The Saga Continues and unlike that album it doesn't feature many artists from the Bad Boy roster. No tracks with Yung Joc, Cassie or Danity Kane here. What you do get are guest appearances by some of the biggest names in HipHop & R&B. Artists include: Nicole Scherzinger, Christina Aguilera, Big Boi, Ciara, Timbaland, Twista, Shawnna, Avant, Nas, Cee-Lo, Mario Winans, Brandy, Keyshia Cole, Mary J. Blige & Jamie Foxx. With a list like that it comes as no surprise that the guest artists often times outshine Diddy on most of the tracks [which is no strong feat].

The one place where Bad Boy albums shine is in their production and this album is no different. With the exception of one or two tracks, production is exceptional. Guest producers like Mario Winans & Timbaland also help to add to the variety of the sound a bit. With everything from club bangers to ballads there is definitely something for everyone on this album, even a couple of tracks that sound like they were lifted right out of a Prince album.

Where the album falters the most is in its lyrical content. It's not news that Diddy isn't the greatest MC in the world, so Diddy heavy tracks tend to be a little dissapointing. Which is pretty much the first half of the CD. It's only around track 10 when the heavyweight artists start making appearances that things start to improve. Where the first half of the CD is more ''braggadocious'' the second half is all about love, more specifically losing love. Stand out tracks include ''Everything I Love'' f/ Nas & Cee-Lo, ''After Love'' f/ Keri Hilson & the Prince inspired ''Special Feeling''.

Overall this album is one of those joints you put on when you got some people over & just need some background music. That way you can hear the solid production & catchy hooks but dont necessarily have to pay attention to the lyrics too much. If you like artists like Pharrell or Jermaine Dupri than you should check it out. Otherwise try it before you buy it.

SonicAmp Rating: 7/10