Album Review - Robin Thicke - The Evolution of Robin Thicke

Click On Speaker To Listen To Snippets From 'The Evolution of Robin Thicke'

	Would That Make U Love Me
	Lost Without U
	Angels

Hearing someone being told they were “born to do something” is an occurrence we have all experienced. As common as the phrase is, I find there to be a lot of truth in it. Would Martin Luther King's “I Have a Dream” speech really have been meaningful to African Americans if it were told by…say…JFK? The message may have been the same, but because of perception and pre-conceived notions, we may not have been as receptive to someone of non-African American heritage delivering that type of message to the people. It would not have been heard with an open heart or open mind. Clearly, the message is what is most important and valuable, but we still live in a society of judgment, which hinders our ability to LISTEN.

I believe that there is progression in the days to come. An “evolution” is defined as “a motion incomplete in itself, but combined with coordinated motions to produce a single action.” Robin Thicke is a man, whose influences derive from many different genres of music to create an exceptionally talented artist. On this, his sophomore album, R&B legends are reborn and re-invented. Rock, classic and progressive, is revitalized. This is an introduction to a movement of music, rather “The Evolution of Robin Thicke.”

As the son of actor Alan Thicke and vocalist Gloria Loring, this Singer/Songwriter was entrenched into the entertainment industry at an early age. At the age of 16, he was signed to Interscope Records and began to write hit songs for many mainstream artists such as Usher, Mya, Michael Jackson, Christina Aguilera and Mary J. Blige, among others. With backing from Hip Hop mogul Andre Harrell, Thicke released his debut album “A Beautiful World” (2002), which fell short of critical acclaim. And part of the reason for that lack of success was due to his fortunate pedigree which had turned into an unfortunate circumstance. The question being asked by the musical community was “Can we take him seriously?”

Although the Grammy Award winning artist (and husband to the beautiful Paula Patton) has credibility, where does this departure from the status quo fall into today's hypercritical music industry? The answer is simple….anywhere. In Robin Thicke’s music you will find inspirations from legendary artists such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Prince and The Beatles in addition to rock heavyweights such as The Killers and The White Stripes. Clearly, these artists do not fall under the same musical genre, but this fusion of funk can be clearly enjoyed by all; that is if we would just… LISTEN.

Hit-maker and producer, Pharrell Williams (who is the artist’s new label executive), hand picked Thicke from Interscope Records and re-signed him to Star Track Music two years after his debut album release. Since Interscope Records did not know where to position the then long-haired soul singer, Pharell wanted to re-introduce him to the world for all to see. And so… the “evolution” began.

Now you may be asking yourself, is this the rebirth of Jon B? No, although Jon is a great musician in his own right, Thicke finds a way to make the music his own and creates a unique stance unexplored by other artists who have been classified as R&B “wannabees” simply because of skin color. Unfortunately he may be labeled as such, as you will find guest appearances from Faith Evans, Pharrell, and Lil' Wayne who "show support" of his recognition of the Hip-Hop dominant industry. In a sense, it is somewhat disappointing because However, I believe that guest artists could be a detriment to him as he may have to continue this practice on future albums to maintain acceptance instead of just making music. As the great Nasir Jones once stated: “My first album had no famous guest appearances, the outcome, I'm crowned the best lyricist.”

Beginning with the first released single, “I Wanna Love You”, the murmur of lyrics dances romantically over this R&B/Pop track, not making it a club hit; but definitely making the statement to the world know that “He’s back…and he’s for real!” The smooth melody undoubtedly represents the Neptunes’ classic sound, yet Thicke manages to sustain his distinctive character.

The tracks entitled “Complicated” and “2 The Sky” definitely show inspiration from The Beatles, while “Would That Make You Love Me” and “I Need Love” take one back to the sultry sounds of Marvin Gaye. The crooner’s sexy, yet high pitched melodic cues take the listener on a journey as he seeks the ways to a woman's heart.

The second released single, and by far one of the standout songs, “Lost Without You” sets the standard for the album. He utilizes finesse in his vocal range, while preserving the fundamentals to create the ultimate harmony of soul fusion.

To speed up the tempo, listeners can check out the first track entitled “Got to Be Down” (Feat. Faith Evans), “Ask Myself”, and “Everything I Can't Have.” These songs bring a diverse element to this project, balancing his passionate efforts are felt ever so strongly within the ballads.

We revisit the stimulating influences of Marvin Gaye while listening to the track “Teach You a Lesson.” Meanwhile, “Can You Believe” provides encouragement from another Motown legend, Stevie Wonder, with its playful yet soul spirited melody. Thicke switches gears with the track “Cocaine” which is undoubtedly enthused by modern rock and truly reverses the flow on this CD but provides clarity of his diversity. Then “Lonely World” takes the listener back to his debut album release, “A Beautiful World,” and is one of the best representations Thicke’s distinctive sound. He displays strong vocal ability, while maintaining his natural seductive disposition.

The album subsequently ends with the tune entitled “Angels” which leaves the listener feeling 100% satisfied. This song is simply beautiful as Thicke, who taught himself the piano at the age of 12, plays melodic sounds of simplicity that embrace this ballad and truly close out the album.

The "evolution" of music in this industry is ever changing and at times, in the wrong direction. As I digested the lyrics of the songs on “The Evolution of Robin Thicke,” I was inspired to absorb the message of love delivered by a truly talented artist with an open heart and an open mind. The melodies whispered into my ear as I was transported through time, into an era where glitz and glamour were at the opposite end of the spectrum. It was all about…the music. This album shows that all is not lost. It is “A Beautiful World” and the “Evolution” shall begin through new eyes, new appearances, and new sounds…..just LISTEN.