As a kid my musical influences were based off of R&B. My dad listened to many New York based artists and, of course, many Latin artists. I can vividly recall what it felt like the day I first heard Lionel Richie and Smokey Robinson. Understand, however, I wasn’t that cool kid who avoided TV and holed up in my room listening to mix tapes. My television appetite mainly consisted of TV shows about unusual family groups. I loved “Family Ties”, couldn’t get enough of “Full House”, and never missed an episode of “Growng Pains.”
With all that said it shouldn’t be a surprise that the artist I’m listening to now has an updated jazzy sound that reminds me of my old favorites and is actually related to a “Growing Pains” star.
Robin Thicke, son of Mr. Sever himself, released his third album “Something Else” September 30th , as a follow-up to his second album, the soon to be double platinum, “The Evolution of Robin Thicke” (2006). “Lost Without U,” the mega-hit single from that album became the #1 most played song on Urban Adult Contemporary radio, not to mention topping 4 Billboard charts simultaneously. Mega-hit might be an understatement.
After frequent play on my IPOD, I would be surprised if his most recent album release, didn’t surpass it’s predecessor. “Something Else” has a retro sound that pays homage to the late seventies, and makes me fall in love with Smokey Robinson all over again. This album can easily transport you to another place in musical history. If I had a modern day Miami Vice mix tape, Robin Thicke would, most definitely, be a featured artist. Although the album evokes feelings of nostalgia, in no way does it lack originality. “Magic,” the first single off of “Something Else,” has a very deep R&B sound with a mixture of what can only be described as disco funk, melded in. It’s a fun and upbeat dance song that always has me wiggling in my chair. Needless to say, my daughter refers to the song as “The Magic Dance.”
After Robin’s huge success someone might question whether he’s be able to do it again, and that someone would never be me. It’s rare to come across an album that can recreate the feeling of the first time you fell in love with sound. I’m listening to “Something Else” the latest release from Robin Thicke and finding something new to groove to with every musical moment. ….I’m listening, are you?
