Customer Reviews

Timbaland Presents Shock Value

5 star:		(35)
4 star:		(32)
3 star:		(24)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(9)

 

 

I'm torn, in listening to Timbaland's new album Shock Value, between being genuinely impressed, and wondering if it was all meant to sound very similar. Part of what irks me so much about Timbaland's productions is that his stuff is so accessible and recognizable, there almost isn't room for the artist to be themself. (Nelly Furtado's "Say It Right", for example) On this album, the beats rule. They are Timbaland's voice, his palette, his paintbrush, his paint...the glue that holds the entire operation together. It is his greatest strength, and I also feel his biggest weakness. Beats are great, but I feel they can only get you so far.

Timbo has about 5 radio hits nestled in this album, and some collaborations that will prove interesting in the future. He's discovered a fantastic singer, Keri Hilson, and stuck her in the album three times, once with Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, once with D.O.E. and once with Sebastian. Each song showcases her considerable talent, and I am eagerly anticipating her solo album (as long as it isn't positively littered with Timbaland's beats). "Give It To Me", obviously, is already a hit since it features the vocals of two artists he can claim credit for being "HRN" (hot right now). "Release" is a fast-paced song that just makes you want to move. "Bounce" is a dirty silly song that is almost guaranteed to get some attention, but not because it has any real merit for anything. "Scream", the collaboration between Keri Hilson, Nicole Scherzinger, and himself. "Fantasy" brings up the tail, having a ton of intensity and a cutesy r&b chanteuse named Money.

There are some collaborations here that are questionable, like Fall Out Boy, the Hives, or She Wants Revenge. But what seems awkward at first seems almost second nature by the end of the disc. I am glad that Timbo took these excursions into different genres, because it shows a true open mind and a willingness to try new things. I feel that these collaborations could open up interesting avenues, musically speaking, to styles we haven't properly considered in the past. Now we have a reference. "What would happen if we put some hot r&b/hip-hop beats to this pop-punk band? Ah! "One And Only" by Timbaland and Fall Out Boy is what would happen." It's not a bad claim.

Again, a large part of me feels like I'm listening to the same song over and over with different singers, so I think Timbaland needs to spend a little less time with the drum machine and more time trying to make the song stand well if those signature beats are taken away. That will show his true lasting power as his own solo artist, I believe.

Of course, what you think of this album may be largely dependent on your feelings towards songs like "Say It Right" and "SexyBack," since the Timbaland sound you will hear on this album is very much like his previous collaborations. Timbaland does a fair bit of self-recognition, which he deserves every minute of. He keeps the fresh beats coming, and he appears to have discovered a great artist in Keri Hilson.

Track-by-track?

01-Oh Timbaland: B (Great beat, decent lyrics)
02-Give It To Me: B (Very good music, awesome performance from Furtado and Timberlake)
03-Release: B (Timbaland & Timberlake both shine)
04-The Way I Are: A (Hilson sounds great and compliments awesome music)
05-Bounce: D (Not bad, but nothing exceptional)
06-Come And Get Me: D (I have the edited version, and it seems like I don't hear that many lyrics. Wonder what that means?:))
07-Kill Yourself: C (Very intriguing song with good music)
08-Boardmeeting: B (Old school collaboration with Magoo just plain works)
09-Fantasy: C (Catchy and interesting)
10-Scream: D (This track gets annoying after a while--and it's 5:41 long)
11-Miscommunication: C (Great lyrics)
12-Bombay: D (Very catchy--but seems misplaced)
13-Throw It On Me: C (Catchy and unique)
14-Time: D (One of the weaker tracks)
15-One And Only: B (Great blend of rock & hip-hop)
16-Apologize: B (Great lyrics, great music)
17-2 Man Show: C (Not half the nightmare it could've been)

There are seven worthy tracks on here and more that do well. None of them stand out as being horrible.

Great buy.

Off The Bat Top Tracks:
4. The Way I Are - Amazin Sound Great Production
11. Miscommunication - Danja Does His Thing For This One
12. Bombay - Change Up In The Music Style
14. Time - She Wants Revenge Props Great Song
15. One & Only - Fall Out Boy Adds Their Edge
16. Apologize - One Republic Defined The Flavor
17. 2 Man Show - Its Elton On The Piano Great Blend Of Composition

^^These Are The Tracks That I Can Listen To Over And Over Again

10. Notable Mention: Scream - w/ Keri Hilson and Nicole Scherzinger
^^ Keri Hilson someone to look out for and ofcoarse Nicole Scherzinger is always amazing when she graces the tracks and videos.

Basically my favorite songs from the album are mostly the last ones(saving best for last).

Very nice production from the timbaland & danja group & their associates.
The only track i wasnt really feeling was 6. Come & Get Me, the rest that i did not menton where all great production wise and good vocally.

Timbaland deserves a lot of props for his continual excellence in bringing quality to the music industry.

A Multicultural CD That's Not For The Closed Minded



By Effrem J. Adams



This CD is very intense, original, and well produced. Unfortunately it will go right over people's heads. After listening to the album I think only people who truly appreciate music will enjoy it. "Shock Value" has no one sound to it. Instead Timbaland goes ahead of the game and brings in elements from India, Rock, Jazz, Rap, Hip-Hop, Soul, Orchestra, Choir, and even a little Country as heard in track "Time".



However this CD is certainly NOT for the closed minded and this will unfortunately be the reason for its demise. Those into one particular genre may feel alienated. Rap fans may not feel there's enough rap songs, while rockers will like the rock riffs, but won't take too keen to the rap songs. Thrown in is track "Bombay" with an Indian twist to it that is amazing. Again it's a song many will have to open their minds to.




In "Bounce" Timbaland reunites with superstar Missy Elliot along with Justin Timberlake, and Dr. Dre. You have a unique duo in "One and Only" featuring Fallout Boys which a similar track to "Dance Dance" only with bass beats and subtle flutes in the background. Timbaland shows off in "2 Man Show" featuring Elton John and Kirk Franklin choir.




Almost every song on the CD could become an instant single hit. While "Give It To Me" is a great song I wish Timbaland had took a bolder route and released a more unique track. On the plus side the CD is a pure club banger!

I liken Timbaland to Nate Dogg. Just there presence on a track can make it a hit. A great "assist" man, brilliant behind the scenes - but as soon as he tries to take the spotlight, it falls short of a milestone. Timbo's productions are legendary, he put Genuwine on the map back in the 90's, revived Missy Elliots slumping career, was taking Aliyah to the top before her death, and Took Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake to superstar status. But his solo albums have always been far from spectacular, which comes as no surprise.

Shock Value is an album that you will listen too non-stop for about a month, then easily forget about it. A good album, but nothing memorable. I found it funny that the songs I thought I would like - end up being my least favorite, while the songs that I thought I would hate end up being my favorite. Songs like "Bounce" was highly anticipated, but didn't deliver. Dre's verse is entirely too short, and quite meaningless, then to be followed up by Justin Timberlake - it just didn't mesh well. "Give It To Me" gets old real quick, with annoying vocals by Nelly, an on-going droning beat that rarely changes, and conceited lyrics by Timbo and JT. Great for the club, I suppose. "Release" is a throw back to JT's album. "Boardmeeting" "Way I Are" "Oh Timberland" "Throw It On Me" are boring, and easily forgettable.


However, there are some shinning songs on this CD. "One & Only" surprised be quite abit, considering I don't like Fallout Boy. The track is energetic, and a smoothing blend of rock and hip-hop, not one dominating the other. The vocals, while a little whiny, are executed well enough to make it addicting. Not a 50 cent and Tony Yayo fan, but "Come & Get Me" is a straight banger. The piano drops throughout the song is reminiscent of a Dr. Dre track. The singing vocals that just float on-top on the track throughout the song is a nice touch. "Kill Yourself" is an intriguing track, not the best on the album, but definitely better then some of the others. "Miscommunication" is a classic intoxicating Timbaland beat. "Time" is probably my favorite track on the entire CD. The beat is excellent - a step in the right direction for Timbaland, the guest appearance I've never heard of, but he does an excellent job on the chorus, and has a Maynard-esque like voice. "Scream" is another great song, with a rhythmic beat that drops during the chorus, accompanied by a simple yet satisfying guitar loop. Vocals are done exceptionally well here. "Apologize" has great piano's and is a good overall track, with good vocals and a soothing beat.

Like many here on amazon are saying, it's not this years best CD, but its definitely a worthwhile purchase, and give an invigorating listen for about a month or so. But don't expect it to stay in the CD player for any longer.

to all u haters of this album--- sit down.This album is a great contribution to many versatile styles of timbaland.I have been a huge fan of his since him and missy started.Any good artist knows that if u want a great or half descent album, see timbaland. His beats are always hot!! And this album, at first listen, u might not like it,but try to listen again, and you will see where his head is.This album makes u wanna be in da club movin summtin,for real.Trust, this is his best album yet.The other ones where not that bad.This album u can tell he put a lot of work into it.And i give him mad kudos for it. So if u like dancing, get this album, because u will move!

I don't like his first single, "give it to me", so I thought this album would suck, but I must admit this album's pretty good.

It experiments with many new things, and timbaland takes risks, such as the amazing ballad, "apologize" ft. One republic, but what's amazing is that they are all so timbaland, when you think about it.

it's like in project runway, when heidi wants her designers to take risks, but still remain true to their design concept, and make sure it still says their name-- timbaland takes musical risks but still stays true to his musical concepts and ideas.

some of the songs, you can immediately tell are timbaland, "give it to me", "scream", but there are some songs that are discreetly timbaland, like "one and only" ft. fallout boy, but within the context of the album it really works. Just give a listen to "apologize", you wouldn't believe it's a timbaland piece, but it just works with the album.

Sure the album could have been more "shocking", but i think this album's a polished, confident, comfortable album for timbaland, and i would totally recommend it.

We all know that Timbaland is an excellent producer as he has shown us in the past with such artists as: Brandy, Missy Elliott, Pussycat Dolls, Nelly Furtado, Justin Timberlake, Bjork, etc..... <----- Just to name a (very) few!! His success has sky rocketed within the last year plus with the latter named artists'. Timbaland has a few solo CD's under has belt as well that have not gotten very much commercial success.

His latest release: 'Shock Value' relies heavily on collaborations and Timbalands trademark beats. His raps are not that noteworthy but they are not that prodominant on here either. (which in my opionion is really no great loss) He recruits some great talent such as: Nelly Furtado, Justin Timberlake, Elton John, Fall Out Boy, 50 Cent, Dr. Dre, Magoo, Missy Elliott, She Wants Revenge, Nicole Scherzinger (lead Pussycat Doll) and a name I have not heard of that appears on a number of songs that I really like: Keri Hilson.

There are a few songs on here that as soon as you hear them will right away remind you of JT's "Sexyback" - which in my opinion was kind of a "safe" choice or just plain laziness. On the other songs I really liked how Tim matches the beats with the artist with whom is singing in the song - i.e - Fall Out Boy and She Wants Revenge have a more rocky and edgy sound to them which are both excellent. The pairing with Elton John thrives a lot on piano. Another great track. One of my favorite songs "Bounce" F/ Justin Timberlake, Missy Elliott & Dr. Dre. Very catchy song - Missy has the most standout line with "Hel* naw, like Britney Spears I wear no draws! CLASSIC.

Every song is a standout and worth the purchase. It could have sone without the carbon copy "Sexyback" sounding songs but the rest of the CD more than makes up for it.

While I usually think producer solo albums are nothing more than ego driven, this provides something unique. While the album has a few expected cliche club hits with friends Justin Timberlake and Nelly furtado, there are enough tracks on here that feel like attempts to try something very different things. Using everyone from fallout boy to the hives shows this is more than an album meant to show his ego. That being said, the album still feels a little unrestrained, and more of a collection of songs that should have been on other albums, than a cohesive album. Think of it like one of the Now compilation albums but produced by everysong produced by Timbaland. It's entertaining, and have some interesting things, but I don't find too much beyond that. Had the album not been so disjointed between hits and experiments it would have been rated higher.

I've been a fan of his beats since Aaliyah's One in a Million (1996). Over 10 years later and he still has me bumpin' to some awesome beats! I found that I loved Justin Timberlake's CD and enjoyed other tracks he's produced as well. So I broke down and bought Shock Value. I can say that I love it immensely! I love his style. All of these tracks could be put on the radio and be instant hits. He has a nice range of guest artists as well. In a time when people put out 10-12 tracks max on their albums, I gotta say I'm loving that he gives us 17. What a bang for your buck indeed! Timbaland rocks. Brilliance indeed! He layers his music so well and changes it up throughout the track too. I can't get over how much I'm loving this cd.