If you haven’t yet heard of singer Robin Thicke—son of actor Alan Thicke—that might change in short order. This week, his album “The Evolution of Robin Thicke” jumped to number 16 from 35 on Billboard’s Top 200 albums chart and to number 2 on the R&B/Hip hop charts. With tracks like “Would That Make U Love Me” and the current single “Lost Without You,” Thicke is certainly giving Justin Timberlake a run for his money in the falsetto singing, blue-eyed soul category. The grooves have a light touch that underscores the message that he’s a sensitive guy. In fact, the strongest tracks on the album tend to be the ones that are spare, quiet and give his voice plenty of room. The the previous single, "Wanna Love U Girl" featuring Busta Rhymes, was a misstep. It was a crass way to introduce a singer: pair him with a rapper. On top of everything, the track is whack.
All that said, the killer head nod comes from “Got 2 Be Down”, which features Faith Evans. Only problem is, I doubt this will ever be released. The song is structured in such a way that Robin is really only singing the hooks on this song. So, if you were to poll listeners, they’d probably be talking about “that new Faith Evans”. Not helpful if you’re trying to establish a singer, particularly if he’s a man.
Anyway, it’s in heavy rotation on my Zen Vision:M. Give it a listen.
MP3 File
No, but I'll check it out now that I have a recommendation! It did register that it came and went really quickly. I may have dismissed it BECAUSE he is Alan Thicke's son, which probably wasn't fair. But it does show how you have to overcome some associations in order to establish a brand that stands on its own.
Posted by: Rob Fields | January 26, 2007 at 14:19
Have you heard his first album? It's less R&B and definitely different from this one, but its a good look as well.
Posted by: Stone | January 26, 2007 at 13:51