Jay-Z – ‘Show Me What You’ve Got’ (Roc-A-Fella/Island Def Jam) Released 04/12/06

Bond is back in his most exciting and original adventure in years! But, while it sounds like it might have been taken from the soundtrack to Casino Royale, Jay-Z’s own comeback (as he returns from his supposed retirement) treads a slightly more worn path. ‘Show Me What You Got’ is a cocky, upfront song featuring Jay-Z’s latest attempts at persuading a woman to take her clothes off, with such subtle lines as, er, “take your clothes off.” He’s obviously aware of the problems with announcing retirement and then releasing new material a mere three years later. “What do you want me to do? I’m sorry, I’m back,” is his only explanation, but he assures us that he “get[s] better with time”. Does the song prove him right? Well there’s no denying the immediacy of the silky smooth sax and ultra slick production, but it’s hardly surprising to learn that the accompanying video features Jay racing and gambling against scantily-clad women. But at least it’s more memorable than Chris Cornell’s attempt at the latest Bond theme song.