This is the style Justin has being doing for his entire solo career; a solo career that not only predates Robin Thicke, but was what inspired his style. Robin Thicke debuted as something else entirely, flopped, then transitioned into the 'Suit & Tie' swag AFTER Justin had already done it and was having success. Justin is being himself and doing what's always done as a soloist; anyone who accuses him of biting Robin Thicke is ignorant, since it was Robin who adopted elements of his style. That's like accusing Madonna of being a Lady Gaga copycat. Please.
Robin was doing the same type of music from his debut, which was released around the same time as Justin's debut. Robin was also producing R&B records for Mary J Blige, Brandy, Christina, and even Michael in the 90s. He was in the industry longer than Justin.
This is nothing like Madonna -Gaga Robin is Robin and Justin is Justin. There's no need to discredit either one's accomplishments.
LOL@the complaining about the song lengths. Some of you are exactly what Linda Perry was talking about when she critiqued music that can be equated to 'microwavable popcorn.' The problem here is that you've all grown a little too accustomed to a bunch of quick, peppy 3-minute radio singles released by bubblegum pop singers and aren't used to listening to full albums designed to take listeners on a journey from start to finish. You're not accustomed to listening to full length albums, because all you do is cherrypick songs at iTunes.
This is the style Justin has being doing for his entire solo career; a solo career that not only predates Robin Thicke, but was what inspired his style. Robin Thicke debuted as something else entirely, flopped, then transitioned into the 'Suit & Tie' swag AFTER Justin had already done it and was having success. Justin is being himself and doing what's always done as a soloist; anyone who accuses him of biting Robin Thicke is ignorant, since it was Robin who adopted elements of his style. That's like accusing Madonna of being a Lady Gaga copycat. Please.
Oh please, get over yourself, Justin did not debut doing this sound nor is he the originator of `blue-eyed soul` - his previous releases weren't even on the caliber of Robin's worst album so for you to use that Thicke debuted with a different sound is flawed. Artist develop and grow with each release and thats something Justin has failed to do since his last album. They all have that same repetitive Timbaland sound. Nothing new or original at least Thicke brings something new to the table, Justin doesn't quite comprehend that that using the same tired beats w/ boring lyrics aren't going to work now. Its as if you think Justin is some legend, when he not and certainly not a representation of real R&B music. You are misinformed if you think he was one of the great R&B artist to come out the last decade. Anyway, the album stil isn't good.
i know, i wonder where? can't believe people would illegally download!
This was bound to happen since it was being streamed. I knew someone was going to record this and upload it.
This album will do well regardless he just needs to cut the length for radio play. Will you be getting the target version? I am since I want the extra tracks
Okay so the album is perfect. Well not perfect. But probably a notch and half behind perfect (I'm looking at you "Spaceship Coupe".) Kind of an unnecessary track and I'm prepared for either of the deluxe tracks to be better than it. Also a LITTLE unsatisfied with "Let The Groove Get In". I reckon because most people here like repetitive songs to the nth degree, but it just wasn't doing it for me. LUCKILY, the outro was amazing. I loved the bits of it we got throughout the song so I was pleased to see it get its shine. Definitely not one of my highlights like so many others.
Anywho, while I find the album generally cohesive.. "Don't Hold The Wall" is just THE standout here. Not because it's the most upbeat, but it's just so excellent. It just got better and better, continually exploding my mind. "Blue Ocean Floor" is probably my second favorite. Very trance-y/ambient, completely had me staring off while listening and being taken over by it.
I would give this album a 9/10. "SC" and "LTGGI" pull it down since the other tracks are great all the way through, while they just have their moments. Good comeback. The reviews will be up there for it.
I disagree about their not being any singles, though. While I can't really choose any, I can see a lot of these songs being played. "Don't Hold The Wall" is easily 3rd single material. Radio isn't just straight to the point anymore.. there's no set standard at the moment, so it can fit. Everybody thought "S&T" would be paid dust, so. "Pusher Lover Girl," "That Girl" and oddly enough "Strawberry Bubblegum" seem like potential singles. The latter.. I don't know, I feel like I could hear that in Fall/early Winter everywhere.
We'll see. Whether it has a lot of his singles or not, I'm going to be enjoying it personally.
Robin's debut album came a year after Justin's...and his look/sound wasn't the 'dapper soul' that he later adopted that people are erroneously accusing JT of imitating. It was more underground, neo and bohemian.
It wasn't until "Wanna Love You Girl," which was a complete bite off JT, that Robin became what he is primarily known for now.
Robin was doing the same type of music from his debut, which was released around the same time as Justin's debut. Robin was also producing R&B records for Mary J Blige, Brandy, Christina, and even Michael in the 90s. He was in the industry longer than Justin.
This is nothing like Madonna -Gaga Robin is Robin and Justin is Justin. There's no need to discredit either one's accomplishments.
Thank you! Please school him real quick, I swear I can't take ppl in here claiming Justin is a legend. Robin Thicke has done more for evolution of R&B music than Justin and his body of work is much more impressive. That stan seriously think this album is better than Thicke's worst album? I think NOT!
LOL@the complaining about the song lengths. Some of you are exactly what Linda Perry was talking about when she critiqued music that can be equated to 'microwavable popcorn.' The problem here is that you've all grown a little too accustomed to a bunch of quick, peppy 3-minute radio singles released by bubblegum pop singers and aren't used to listening to full albums designed to take listeners on a journey from start to finish. You're not accustomed to listening to full length albums, because all you do is cherrypick songs at iTunes.
I appreciate what you're saying and I do agree. I think maybe if something like this was done by my fave, I might appreciate it more. In the case of Taylor, her longer songs are always my favorites.
I don't cherrypick songs from iTunes, I tend to listen to albums from start to finish...that being said, it is true I've grown accustomed to the standard 3-5 minute songs so this is pretty different from that. I appreciate it but I do have to say, I think I prefer shorter songs that say what they need to say and end. It's not the length, it's that they get too repetitive for me.
Just listened to the stream on itunes and its horrible - not that I expected much to begin with (no pun intended). This album basically reconfirmed why I never was able to get into his music. The vocals are weak and soppy, basic lyrics with little to no content, recycled beats from first 2 album, and the song length. I think his team thought let's mimic everything Robin Thicke has done musically and sonically - I even hear some Jon B influences. The thing Justin lacks from those two men are strong vocals, his deliver isn't believable. Its fine that he wanted to do an R&B record but at least deliver some strong vocals as R&B is based off Blues and his voices does not have emotions nor does it have a unique tone. The album was poorly written, planned - once again, I wasn't expecting much, but this has to be the worst album of the year for me. I'm a huge fan of R&B music so I know a good R&B/Neo-Soul record when I hear one. This is just a desperate attempt from Justin to get sales ala ADELE but he doesn't have the talent to reach a huge demographic as ADELE was able to do. Also, like to mention that this album isn't cohesive, there isn't a clear vision. Yes, I see where he was trying to go but the vision is not clear and some of the songs are just long for the heck of it. The length drags on until you just basically have to skip it. I find it funny that he thinks the extra length will give the album depth when he basically added bsides from his first two albums and had Timbaland reproduce, because I hear no originality nor uniqueness from this album. I give this album a F
Quote:
Originally posted by AlexandraStanFan
We aren't going to agree on everything, no? This just isn't a good record to me. None of the songs intrigued me and I listened to it leaving all bias towards him aside. Its just not a great record in my opinion. We can agree to disagree because I don't hear anything particular new or amazing - just mediocre, tired Timbaland beats from early 00s, layered with Justin's weak vocals.
Quote:
Originally posted by AlexandraStanFan
Bitter about what exactly? I listen to R&B greats from 60s-90s - I know a good R&B record and this is not one. I have nothing against Justin, but his whole approach is Robin Thicke's style. Any R&B enthusiast would hear the references a mile away - there is nothing innovative about this album. So my review stands.
Quote:
Originally posted by AlexandraStanFan
Oh please, get over yourself, Justin did not debut doing this sound nor did he the originator of `blue-eyed soul` - his previous releases weren't even on the caliber of Robin's worst album so for you to use that Thicke debuted with a different sound is flawed. Artist develop and grow with each release and thats something Justin has failed to do since his last album. They all have that same repetitive Timbaland sound. Nothing new or original at least Thicke brings something new to the table, Justin doesn't quite comprehend that that using the same tired beats w/ boring lyrics aren't going to work now. Its as if you think Justin is some legend, when he not and certainly not a representation of real R&B music. You are misinformed if you think he was one of the great R&B artist to come out the last decade. Anyway, the album stil isn't good.
Robin's debut album came a year after Justin's...and his look/sound wasn't the 'dapper soul' that he later adopted that people are erroneously accusing JT of imitating. It was more underground, neo and bohemian.
It wasn't until "Wanna Love You Girl," which was a complete bite off JT, that Robin became what he is primarily known for now.
not trying to further this debate, but Robin did become pharrells artist after the justified era so there was bound to be a similar sound, but as previously said justin is justin robin is robin lets not discredit either of these multi-talented men.
Robin's debut album came a year after Justin's...and his look/sound wasn't the 'dapper soul' that he later adopted that people are erroneously accusing JT of imitating. It was more underground, neo and bohemian.
It wasn't until "Wanna Love You Girl," which was a complete bite off JT, that Robin became what he is primarily known for now.
No, they were both released in the same time frame. The only thing bohemian about him was his long hair and facial hair He was doing the same type of music he's doing now. "Wanna Love You Girl" is one of the only tracks that sound like anything JT did during that time. His music is more similar to Jon B than Justin Timberlake.
Robin is Robin and Justin is Justin. There's no need to discredit either one's accomplishments.
