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Having already sold over a million records in the U.S. alone, the good folk at Interscope Records think that it’s time we here in the U.K. sample their latest export.
Robin Thicke is the missing link that once held R&B and soul together. Justin Timberlake may have brought sexy back, but this guy is bringing good old fashioned talent and passion back.
From start to finish this album is the embodiment of soul. When listening to it you can’t help but feel uplifted and how many albums can you honestly say achieve this these days? Down on his luck for so many years struggling to make it in this turbulent industry, the pains and strife that came with Thicke’s struggle have been transformed in to an R&B tinted, soul enthused melodic masterpiece.
Working with minimal guest spots, the crooner creates a soundtrack for the average working Joe. With subjects ranging from believing in yourself to the complications of being a human being, there’s something on this release for everyone. Mix this with Thicke’s undeniable vocal qualities and you’ve got the year’s finest album.
Admitting he wrote it with a drink in one hand and a woman in the other, ‘Teach U A Lesson’ is a peaceful ode to experimental bedroom antics. With soothing instrumentation and delicate vocals on hand to paint a picture we’d all like to be a part of, Thicke proves that you don’t have to talk about hoes shaking their asses to create an arousing atmosphere.
The role playing between teacher and student is a naughty but nice touch. With every track introducing a chill to your spine, there are obviously going to be a few cuts that send tears down the cheeks of even the most stone cold individual. Take for example ‘2 The Sky’. People everywhere regret parts of their lives all the time, but provided you’ve tried to achieve everything you’ve wanted to then no complaints can ever be made. Thicke’s vocal reverberations stall your movement and cause you to sit in awe whilst thinking that maybe there’s more out there for you after all.
Fast paced and still keeping in line with the inspirational pattern that emerges throughout, tracks like the Lil’ Wayne-featured ‘Shooter’ and ‘Ask Myself’ show another side to the man with the world in the palm of his hand. He’s a jack of all trades. Whether it’s speedy, sluggish, cool or erratic, he can make music of all kinds without substituting his Frank Sinatra-esque demeanour for one of lesser qualities. And who can forget his Billboard smash ‘Lost Without U’? Probably the most personal record contained on the album, it’s perfect in every kind way.
Robin Thicke is now in the same type of league as the likes of John Legend and Mary J. Blige. Whether you agree or not, we could well be on the verge of a soul revival. This album shows that real music can be made and distributed to commercial audience while still keeping its integrity and respect. After years of sitting and watching the masters at work, song writing for artists such as Michael Jackson and Brian McKnight, he’s now successful beyond his years. This album guarantees his spot in music for a while yet.
Robin Thicke is the future of soul music. Care to argue?
