Customer Reviews

Evolution of Robin Thicke

5 star:		(268)
4 star:		(52)
3 star:		(15)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(12)

 

 

I was first introudced to Robin Thicke when I heard a track entitled "When I Get You Alone". The track was pretty good, but to be honest with you, it wasn't enough to make me purchase the CD. I eventually purchased the CD, but to be honest with you again, is still has the wrapper on it. When I first heard "I Wanna Love You Girl" with Pharrell I knew that Robin's 2nd CD would be a winner. So I waited and I waited and I even sat through amazon.com's infamous January 1, 2010 release date and then finally "The Evolution Of Robin Thicke" was in stores. I read the majority of the reviews for this CD and 2 inparticular caught my eye when they mentioned that there were several songs that Robin Thicke took off of the advanced copy of the CD and made new tracks. I'm thinking if those tracks were better than the tracks on this CD, Robin Thicke should have just released a double CD. Ladies and gentlemen this CD is phenominal. When you first listen to the CD you'll think of artists like Jon B and Justin Timberlake because of the "blue eyed soul" mentality. However, when you hear music this nice, the last thing I am thinking about is the artist's complexion.

"The Evolution Of Robin Thicke" gets off to an excellent start with the Faith Evans' featured "Got To Be Down". As much as I like Faith's CDs this track was just an added bonus to be able to hear Robin Thicke and Faith together on a nice midtempo track. "Complicated" actually ends up being a very simple track but as a man living in the U.S. of A, I can definitely relate to Robin's vibe on this track as he is telling a particular woman that I am going to be me and you are going to be you and hopefully in the long run we can still find a way to make things work. "Would That Make U Love Me" is a nice, funky uptempo jam that has Robin asking a particular woman regardless of who he is now would this particular woman love him even if he was just an everyday joe. "Lost Without U" is the 2nd single from "The Evolution Of Robin Thicke" and was a nice pick to be a single. The track ends up being different from your everyday slow jam and Robin definitely adds enough sexiness to the track to make it a song to remember. "Ask Myself" reminds me of a track that El or Chico DeBarge would have had on one of their solo CDs. Trust me that is not a bad thing. "Everything I Can't Have" is an uptempo track with plenty of Latin flavor added to it. This track is definitely different from anything else on "The Evolution Of Robin Thicke". He just wants to live wild and free on this track without having to worry about any repsonsibilities. "Teach U A Lesson" has Robin showing a sexy side again as well. If there is such thing as a sexy slow jam with taste then this is a great example of that. Robin even goes as far as calling himself the professor and telling the woman that you're going to have to stay after school for some "special attention" in so many words. "I Need Love" is one of my favorite tracks on this CD as Robin sounds like he is trying to make things work with a particular woman and at the same time trying to address his needs as well. "Can U Believe" also ends up being a stellar midtempo song. It also serves as an inspirational song, in my opinion, to serve the purpose of making someone actually believe that things can go right for them eventually even if they are going through tough times. People will have mixed reviews on "Cocaine". To me it's another funky uptempo jam from Robin Thicke that Al Pacino(Scarface) and Rick Ross would love. However, other people will criticize Robin for making a track that basically glorifies cocaine in some people's eyes.

"2 The Sky", in my opinion, hands down is the best track on this CD. Although, I have listened to the track multiple times, I still don't have a clear cut definition of what the track is actually about. However, the composition of the song will definitely make this song one of your favorites from "The Evolution Of Robin Thicke". It's almost seems as if when Robin has doubts with what is going on in everyday life and if he has doubts with certain events that have happened in his life he just looks to the sky for answers, meaning looking to God for answers. If anyone else has a clear meaning of the track please let me know..lol "Lonely Girl" also serves as an inspirational track just as "Can I Believe" did. Certain people may not like the track because it sounds like a track that Jon B or Justin Timberlake would have made, but things work for me on this song. "Angels" closes out the CD something lovely as well as a "2 The Sky" interlude that appears after "Angels" ends. "Angels" actually sounds like a dedication to a very special woman that Robin has in his life.

The only track that you may not want to hear every time you listen to this CD is "All Night Long" featuring Lil Wayne. This song was only made because Lil Wayne used Robin's "Oh Shooter" to make a track of his own, "Shooter" that appeared on "The Carter 2". This song seems to be forced and should have been replaced with something else.

In conclusion, this just may be the best r&b CD to come out in the year 2006. To many people can't argue with this, with the exception of Anthony Hamilton (Ain't Nobody Worryin'), Mary J Blige (The Breakthrough) and John Legend (Once Again). Anthony and Mary's CDs came out in December 2005 so I still consider those CDs 2006 releases. Lyfe Jennings' "The Phoenix" could also have consideration as well. I never listened to "A Beautiful World" but trust me the wrapper will be coming off real soon. If you have ever liked anything ever affiliated or compared to Robin Thicke you can not afford to pass up on this CD. It's that good!!!

James' Top 6 (This wasn't easy for me at all)

1) 2 The Sky
2) I Need Love
3) Angels
4) Got To Be Down w/Faith Evans
5) Lost Without U
6) Complicated

So I was going to buy this album around the time it first came out, but I was a bit reluctant for some reason or another. Then I looked on Amazon and noticed all the positive reviews. I looked online and this album has sold over a quarter million with absolutely no promotion or support from the label. (Until just recently when MTV and BET have taken notice). I figured that if this guy has such a following, it has to be good. (He also has quite a following with other artists. Pharrell executive produced it, Lil' Wayne's here, Faith Evans is here, Mary J. Blige demanded to do a duet with him... wow.) So I ordered it.

Blue eyed soul has been attempted numerous times, but this album is different. This album keeps the integrity of soul music and it has credibility. It is authentic.

I loved this album from the second I started listening. The opening track with Faith Evans, "Got 2 Be Down," was one of my favorites. "Ask Myself" is excellent. (Thicke and Mary J. Blige re-recorded a duet version of this song for the Mary J. Blige & Friends compilation. It's quite nice.) "Shooter" with Lil' Wayne is amazingly innovative and I just love it.

The last three songs on this album are also beautiful and have great lyrics and messages.

The production, mostly done by Robin himself and Pro J, is excellent. The lyircs are nice and his voice is great. (And no, this abum isn't completely falsetto.) The only real problem is that the album runs a little too long. I highly recommend that you buy this album.

The deluxe edition comes with a ringtone, cell phone wallpaper and "autographed" poster. If you have the option, just buy the original because it's cheaper and this is a sad excuse for a "deluxe" edition...

It certainly didn't take long before I absolutely lost myself in the hypnotizing splendor that is this album. Simply from first-listen, one's musical taste buds are thriving with stimulation in a constant state of salivation for more of this man's amazingly soulful voice and sensual, captivatingly laid-back tones. The beautiful subtlety at which he sings and effortlessly maneuvers through each track will enrapture you within each fleeting moment and leave you longing for more. At the very least, this is an excellent album to weave in and out of consciousness while you attempt to sleep during the late hours of the night. . . All the while in a constant state of indulgence. And if his soothing voice does, indeed, ultimately send you into the deep throws of a satisfying slumber, you will without a doubt - every time - awake within the opening piano keys and breathy falsetto of "Angels" - the absolute silver lining in a cloud of, well, more silver.

I hadn't really paid much attention to this young singer until recently when I kept seeing him on television and hearing positive reviews of this cd. So recently I bought the cd on a lark and decided to give it a try. I must admit I was pleasantly surprised. I really like his current single "Lost in You". The first song on the cd, "Got 2 Be Down" a duet with Faith Evans is also another good song from this blue-eyed soul singer with a nice falsetto. The entire cd shows that this young man has promise and should give us more good music in the future. Thicke has been compared to Justin Timberlake and I think this cd trumps the debut cd of Timberlake....Robin Thicke is a whole lot smoother!

If I have one complaint it would be adding rap into some of the songs. I think his songs can stand alone without any unnecessary and distracting rap that often changes the whole tone of the song. I say keep it simple, stick with the soul and Robin Thicke will be a name we'll be discussing in the future. My favorites on the cd include: "Got 2 Be Down", "Lost in You", "Cocaine", "Ask Myself", "2 the Sky" and "Teach You a Lesson". Worth adding to your music collection!

After listening and laughing to the video on TV I thought this was just one more example of blue-eyed soul singing too high--a future "Vanilla Ice" musical embarassment. WRONG! This CD is a great combination of top-notch production, uses excellent vocal backup (check out the first track!) with an Al Green/cool-jazz-white guy sound that is just great. The tracks are not just R&B, but smooth Jazz and some smart Pop rolled up into a tasty treat that isn't even too expensive. My only complaint is that once in a while (like the third track) the percussion is intrusive--I noticed that first above the vocals. Look like the cool cat you really are and buy this CD first to show off your smarts--in a good way!

Was that so much to ask for? An album that I can listen to all the through?...16 tracks of raw, grown & sexy, R&B. I'm not really a radio listener, so this album could have passed me by. Thank God for videos! I was introduced to this album by way of the Lost Without You video. Aside from Robin just being fine as hell, the song basically "Had me at Hello" As soon as I heard it, I had enough faith in Robin Thicke to go out the next day and buy the album, I was not disappointed. This album is very addictive. If you don't already dance seductively in front of the mirror when no one's around, you may start after hearing this. If you appreciate a man that uses his falsetto, here's ya man. Where he really got me was when he threw in (track #7) which is basically Samba...WHAT! Muy Caliente!!!!! God, that was clever!
Do yourself a favor bring in the new year right! This is the must have album of 2006-07.

This is a great all around CD. Three years in the making and you can tell he put his heart into this. I am so tired of all the 'justin' comparisons. It is quite obvious that Robins voice is much more versatile and soulful and Justins. Robin also writes and produces almost all of his stuff. Justin co-writes a majority of his stuff BUT he obviously has other people produce them. I would definately recommend buying this CD!

Track 1 - Got 2 be down (feat Faith Evans) Great song with a nice beat you can def. bob yo head too. 8/10

Track 2 - Complicated. One of my favorites. Especially the first minute. Only thing I would change is - I think it should have been majority of just piano. Great lyrics in this one. 8.5/10

Track 3 - Would that make you love me. I love this song! I can not get enough. Great beat and guitar line. Lyrics are amazing and the vocal melody is so catchy. 10/10

Track 4 - Lost Without U. One of the best songs of all time in my opinion. I heard it for the first time almost a year ago and I still listen to it all the time. Beautiful lyrics/guitar and the vocal line is just mezmorizing. 10/10

Track 5 - Ask myself. Another great song. I can def. relate with this song. Vocals sound sooo smooth. 8.5/10

Track 6 - All night long (feat lil wayne) Tight song. Addictive beat and great rhymes by wayne and awesome vocals. I love it. 9/10

Track 7 - Everything You Cant Have. This is the only one im not sure about. Its got cool vocals. Its just a real traditional latin beat and I cant really relate with that but if you like any kinda of latin stuff, you will love it. 7/10

Track 8 - Teach U A Lesson. Great sexxxy song. Lyrics are so creative and naughty but gotta love it. It is so relaxing - could listen to it all day. One of my favs. 9/10

Track 9 - I need love. Another classic. Great lyrics and key changes in this one. I am in love with the vocal melody on this one. Only thing, I liked the live version I heard more. It was more piano based but this song is still great. 9/10

Track 10 - Wanna Love U girl (feat pharrell) - Of course this was the first single about a year or more ago and I still love it. Great radio hit and it should have been #1 on the charts! You can dance all day to this one. 10/10

Track 11 - Can U believe. This song has a kind of ole skool sound. Piano line is simple but great and vocals are amazing as usual. Lyrics are amazing - so touching and real. One of my fav's. 9.5/10

Track 12 - Shooter (feat Lil Wayne) This song was original on his first album (without lil wayne) I love this song. Beat is seriously addictive...gottta curl ur lip when u listen to it haha. Wayne brings a whole new feel to this song. Im definately feelin it. 8.5/10

Track 13 - Cocaine. Obviously this one is about cocaine so I am not advocated drug use but this song is tight. Cool melody and funky beat. Im feelin it. 9/10

Track 14 - 2 the Sky. Another great song....this one has a live feel to it and its a song lots of people can relate to. It even has a rock feel to it where everyone is just jammin. Love it. 8.5/10

Track 15 - Lonely World. This song means so much to me right now. Such a moving song - piano is so lush and vocal melody along with lyrics are so touching. One of the highlights of the album IMO. 10/10

Track 16 - Angels. A BEAUTIFUL song. You can definately tell he loves his wife with this song. Another classic piano ballad. I love it. 9.5/10


Buy this album - Robin Thicke is the music industry's best kept secret.

Robin Thicke is by far one of the most ecletic, ahead of his time artists of the past ten years. At 30 years old, he's been in the music game since he was 15, when he got a record deal thanks to his father's connections, but due to his own incredible song-writing and singing abilities. I have been a huge fan of Robin since he was just THICKE, way back when "When I Get You Alone" was playing on MTV2. The fact that the amazon reviewer compares Robin's rise to the likes of O-Town trailing NSYNC is a joke - and I love JT, NSYNC, O-town, etc. Robin writes, produces, plays his own instruments, and has been writing/performing before any "real" member of any of those afformentioned bands. If you want to make a comparison, JT may be the front runner but RT is a neo-soul Brian Mcknight, Donny Hathaway. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if JT was inspired by RT.

If you want something slightly overproduced, only when being compared to TEORT, then def buy A Beautiful World to hear Robin's ability to write songs for any genre. It's a shame he didnt get the credit he deserved over 5 years ago when ABW came out, but if he did, maybe we wouldn't have this incredible second album today.

The Evolution of Robin Thicke has got to register as one of the best cds released in many years. Listen to his voice as he channels Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Ron Isley, and even Al Greene - all the while making the songs very much his own. "Lost Without You" is nice, but "I Need love" takes me back to the Isleys "Between the Sheets." This cd makes you want to be loved - not sexed. A marked difference from what's being pumped out on radio these days. "2 the Sky," Angels," "Would That Make U Love Me," all solid cuts. Baby stepped correct on this one.

Seventies soul is alive and well. Just ask D'Angelo, Maxwell, Musiq...

...and Robin Thicke.

Clearly inspired by the likes of Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, Robin Thicke returns with his sophomore disc, a mellow, breezy affair, largely sung in falsetto.

Current single, the guitar laden, stunning ballad "Lost without you", is presently climbing the Billboard hot 100. "Complicated" is a retro sounding lilting jazzy ballad, with lovely harmonies and finger snaps, as soft as a warm summers day.

The tender "2 the sky" is a jazzy Stevie Wonder-esque ballad on which Thicke uses his full voice, as against falsetto, to very good effect. The stripped down piano ballad "Angel'" finds him (vocally) almost hitting the skies.

And it's not just ballads he does. Opening cut "Got to be down" with Faith Evans is a catchy funky number with retro sounding harmonies. "Cocaine" sounds like something out of D'Angelo's repertoire.

"Ask myself", the bossa nova feel of the conga filled "Everything I can't have", the hip hop laced "All night long" with Lil Wayne, the Prince-like retro funk of "Shooter" (with fuzzy guitars) again with Lil Wayne (where his rap fits in much better than the former song), and the sparse Neptunes-funk of Wanna love u girl" with Pharrell, are other songs upping the tempo.

Great songwriting, well sung and produced. Looking forward to his next album.