The evolution of Robin Thicke
After his 2002 hit single When I Get You Alone, Robin Thicke slipped under our radar until self-styled best rapper alive Lil’ Wayne released his 2005 tour de force Tha Carter II.
It featured Shooter, the opening track from Thicke’s debut album, overlaid with Wayne’s disturbing rap. That version of Shooter reappears on Thicke’s new album (slightly sanitised -“ the word dick is blanked out from Wayne’s accusatory behind-door dick takers not to offend us homos) along with another Lil’ Wayne collaboration -“ two reasons hip-hop fans were desperate for The Evolution‘s release here.
It’s on the Neptunes’ label, so Britney and Justin collaborator Pharrell pops up too. Evolution constantly surprises with inventive arrangements, heartfelt revealing songs (Cocaine discusses Thicke’s drug-taking), some steamy Latin beats and haunting melodies. Plus there’s the killer ballad Lost Without You.
Thicke sounds like Marvin Gaye reincarnated on the opening Faith Evans duet -“ truly superior R&B.
Review: Brian Watson
