That Grape Juice was in the house at Robin Thicke‘s exclusive playback in Paris, France this week, where the man himself previewed 6 songs from his upcoming album, ‘Blurred Lines‘. Preceded by its smash of a title track, the LP will march onto shelves on July 8th.
Want to know what the soulful crooner has in store this go around? Meet us after the jump to find out…
‘Blurred Lines’ Track-By-Track Preview:
Take It Easy (produced by Timbaland):
With its busy production, ‘Easy’ sets the tone for what is a largely upbeat collection of songs. Thicke’s smooth vocals work wonders over Timbo’s industrial beats. Reminiscent of the more experimental tracks on 2009’s ‘Sex Therapy’ the track sees the crooner trading his signature soulful style for a grittier, borderline-EDM one without ever sounding contrived.
Oooh La La (produced by Robin Thicke):
An ode to the 70’s, the mid-tempo groove boasts a fantastic vocal performance from Robin as well as premium vocal-layering on the production front. Sounding wholly organic, the track grows bigger and better with its many verses and bridges, the instrumentation also intensifies as the song progresses, leading to a lush, violin-heavy finish. This is a no-brainer as far as stage shows are concerned. We’d list the soul man’s 2008 release ‘Magic’ and Beyonce’s ‘Love On Top’ as close siblings.
Give It To You feat. Kendrick Lamar (produced by Dr. Luke)
The straight-forward number will serve as the official follow up to US Top 20 and UK #1 ‘Blurred Lines‘. In order to replicate the success of said single, Team Thicke have turned to Top 40 master Dr Luke, resulting in an unapologetic Pop smash. Assisted by Hip-Hop prince Kendrick Lamar, the tune bathes in EDM water with sprinkles of dubstep here and there. Not far removed from something LMFAO or East Far Movement could release (think ‘Like A G6‘), this is undeniably the most “left” (in this case “left” = “very current”) single Robin has ever released. We sure wish the risk pays off as the song actually sounds like a hit.
Feeling Good (produced by Will.I.Am)
Another track, another A-List producer. This time we have the Black Eyed Peas frontman on production duty, blessing the singer with a late 90’s/ early 00’s throwback house track in the vein of Armand Van Elden’s ‘You Don’t Know Me’. It really is the kind of feel-good number that would lend itself perfectly to cocktail parties and such. Solid vocals, solid production (none of that gimmicky stuff Will is also capable of). Solid track.
4 The Rest Of My Life (produced by Robin Thicke)
Released earlier this week as a promotional track, ‘Life’ is classic Robin Thicke. Channeling his inner Prince and Marvin Gaye, the artist executes here a vocal tour de force, reflecting on the beginning of his relationship with stunning wifey Paula Patton and passionately professing his everlasting love. The retro sounding song should reassure Thicke’s more conservative fans that while this album is all about touching new ground, he’s not running away from the very sound that put him on the map in the first place.
Go Stupid (produced by Will.I.Am)
The guitar-driven piece is yet another Will latin-influenced offering, which is about letting go. Sampling Brazilian musician Seu Jorge‘s ‘Tive Razao‘ it is filled with positive vibes and has a late-summer-night edge to it. Slightly different for a Robin Thicke track, but we’re not complaining.
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When describing the album, the ‘Lost Without You’ singer stated that contrary to the heartfelt, serious tone previous records, ‘Blurred Lines’ was all about ‘having fun’ and enjoying the moment.
While that is the overall sentiment palpable throughout the previewed tracks, it’s good to hear that Thicke has retained the brand of soul that made the world fall in love with him following the release of his classic breakthrough ‘The Evolution Of Robin Thicke‘ in 2006.
With this album, the crooner tastefully transitions from Soulstar to Popstar with flying colors.
Roll on July 8th!
{Preview by Joe Kams – That Grape Juice France // @JoeKams}
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Blurred Lines is a smash! July 9 is a little early to be releasing the album though…
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why? personally speaking, I’m sick of artists releasing an album half a year after it’s first single. blurred lines is on top around the globe right now, so that he is able to release the second single , perform it and promote the single and the album.
it’s like rihanna does it and why most of her albums sell in the long run. release a single, then the album and then a couple of singles so that people keep buying your album. why should I buy an album if I already bought like 4 singles off of itunes
It’s just my opinion. I personally think that he should promote a little more, but I get where you’re coming from. 🙂
Not crazy about the song but I’ll listen to the other tracks on the album tho.
Robin Thicke is so cute also.
I didn’t like it at first either, but I warmed up to it. I didn’t know that it was smashing the way it is either. Good for him!
I love him. Pharell completes my life though…
BlurredLines>>>
Robin<3<3. I'm sooo buying this album
SWEET.
“Lost Without You” is still his best, and most ambitious, song, in my opinion.
😉
Blurred Lines is Robin’s first #1 single in the UK! That’s big.
Need more promo if the release date is for next month.
@TGJ were invited ?
that’s bad Luck , poor Robin , should have known better. 😥
When JT’s next single “Tunnel vision” gonna be released ?
Robin’s Album gonna sound like britney spears’s “femme fatale” to me. 😆
Im ready for this album tbh
Oh this isn’t Justin timberlake boo b**** flop
Since when is Katy perry this generations MJ?
Mad?
excited for him but he need another hot song before album release
Im impressed at how successful Blurred Lines has been. Love Robin Thicke’s music and I’m definitely checking for his album
I have loved ROBIN THICKE since his 1st album: A BEAUTIFUL WORLD. My BF & I have seen him 3 times live, he is pure talent & a real amazing artist! I LOVE BLURRED LINES & FOR the rest of my life. I am very ready 4 thsi album, this review made me wanna hear it even more-CAN’T WAIT!
I’m so excited for the album!!! Robin Thicke is #AWESOME! Been a fan since day 1 😀