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Album Review: Robin Thicke - 'Love After War' - Released February 13th 2012

Robin Thicke


February 13th will see Robin Thicke’s fifth studio album released through Star Trak/Interscope Records.  For those unfamiliar with his music, think the best of Justin Timberlake meets Michael Buble. He blends elements of Big Band, 1960s rock, Blues, Soul and R&B spanning so many influences that seem like a recipe for disaster yet it somehow seems to work.

His vocals are clearly beyond the level of many current recording artists. Slipping easily between his deeper rougher tones before running through into high falsetto. Robin Thicke had a successful career as a songwriter and producer before releasing himself as an independent artist. He has worked with Usher, Mary J. Blige and Michael Jackson to name a few and is clearly a talented musician in his own right. This is perhaps what makes his sound so special – he has written it himself, there is a distinct biographical flavor to it and a maturity that comes from a lifetime dedicated to music.

The album starts aggressively with ‘An Angel of Each Arm’ – an explosion of Big Band and Soul blended seamlessly with R&B beats. It’s hard not to see this track doing well in the UK charts. There are elements reminiscent of Plan B’s ‘Prayin’ and the vocal effects used suit the style of the track.

Slower but still impressive tracks on the album include ‘Tears On My Tuexdo’ and the title track ‘Love After War’ which make clever use of a soft Bossa Nova beat accompanied by Robin’s lilting falsetto.

I was unfamiliar with Thicke’s work before hearing this album and can honestly say it is one of the best I have heard in a long time. It is real music for those looking for something different – it possess genuine talent. Soul music just got good again.. 

Review by Melissa Phillips


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