At a time when the economic downfall is causing extensive job loss, home foreclosures, and rising alcohol sales, the population will appreciate the light-hearted, sweet, and smooth style that is undeniably Robin Thicke. He proves that music is the one consistency, regardless of financial deflation, while remaining devoted to his distinct sound.
Strong Introduction to Something Else
Beginning with the latin influenced "You're My Baby" complimented by his effortless falsetto, Thicke manages to motivate one to get up and salsa. This is followed by the uptempo, discoesque ditty, "Sidestep." After four minutes and eleven seconds, listeners might find themselves kicking up their heels, cocktail in hand, and giving the eye to the attractive lady across the lounge in "Magic."
Then, low and behold, "Ms. Harmony" is easing her way across the dim lit room to compliment any suave dance moves.
The Standout Track, "Dreamworld"
Thicke lists all the things that would be existent in his "Dreamworld," despite the harsh realities. "Energy would just fall down right from the sky," he references the ongoing debate of alternative energy. He continues on to implicate the existent prejudices in the American south, "There would be no black or white / the world would just treat my wife right."
Something Else Heats Up
Track seven, "Loverman," is obviously influenced by the lovely and talented actress, Thicke's wife, Paula Patton. This is followed by "Hard on My Love," which features a guitar melody reminiscent of a late 1960s Jimi Hendrix. "The Sweetest Love," the candy-coated, first single released off of Something Else, is unequivocally the sweetest song on the album declaring, "I got the sweetest love / There aint nothin' sweeter."
More Disco and Sympathy for the Devil
The title track, "Something Else," is yet another disco-influenced song which is followed by "Shadow of Doubt." It's three and a half minutes that brings one back to The Rolling Stones' hit, "Sympathy for the Devil." This tinge of 1960s soul is followed by, "Cry No More," a ballad showcasing Thicke's rich vocals accompanied by a delicate guitar and the unique sound of the xylophone.
An Unfortunate Collaboration
Most pop stars feel the need to collaborate with some of hip hop's leaders in an attempt to generate sales. Unfortunately, Lil' Wayne offers no talented assistance to an otherwise adept track, "Tie My Hands." Thicke revives the tempo of Something Else with the encouraging, less than authentic, "Everybody's A Star." The poignant "Ebb and Flow" follows with four minutes and twenty seconds of Evolutionary-esque Robin Thicke that serves as permanent relief from any imminent relapse.
Something Else's Conclusion
At last, Thicke graces the album with his talented pianistic abilities in "I'm Coming Home," which should have been the end of the album, however, the unnecessary and redundant club mix of his collaboration with Mary J. Blige, "Magic Touch," completes Something Else. Far from a flop, Something Else conveys mostly tasteful and conspicuous Robin Thicke.
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