February 21, 2006 @ 11:00 pm

Robin Thicke - The Evolution of Robin Thicke (Star Trak)

by: Jozen Cummings

It’d be simple to dismiss Robin Thicke’s presence on the scene as another white soul-singing gimmick. But not this time. The singer/producer’s sophomore album, The Evolution of Robin Thicke, is a finely groomed collection of Latin-tinged rhythms, bare-bones balladry, and psychedelic grooves.

The first single, “Wanna Love You Girl,” featuring Pharrell, places Thicke’s angelic falsetto (sometimes compared to Justin Timberlake’s) over Skateboard P’s pulsating drums and slick violins. But it’s “Lost Without You,” a sexy, finger-snapping bossa nova track on which Thicke croons his heart away, that shows he’s more akin to Prince than fellow blue-eyed soul-man Timberlake.

Occasionally, Thicke’s need to be eclectic backfires. “High School Man,” a funky blend of ’70s rock ’n’ roll and hip hop, devolves into a repetitive tale of juvenile hateration. Such rare inconsistencies aside, Thicke shows genuine passion and talent throughout. From the jubilant, gospel-flavored “Tie My Hands” to the seductive chill of “Teach U a Lesson,” The Evolution shows he’s able to bring his artistry full circle.

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Article tags: Thicke, Robin Thicke, The Evolution Of Robin Thicke 

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