From The Vault: The Rise and Fall of Robin Thicke’s ‘Blurred Lines’

Today’s From The Vault pick was a game-changer for its singer. For better and eventually for worse.

This week’s selection is ‘Blurred Lines’ by blue-eyed soul maestro Robin Thicke.

Released in 2013 as the first single of the crooner’s sixth studio album of the same name, it was produced by Pharrell Williams and had a guest verse by T.I.

The track was a monumental hit around the world, spending 12 weeks at #1 in the US. It also topped the charts in the UK, Australia, Canada, and France amongst many other territories.

Its infamous visual was directed by Diane Martel. Depicting scantily clad women parading around the three suited-up men, it broke the internet and then some with its racy skew.

The visual was also nominated for Best Video at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards.

Amidst all its success, ‘Lines’ received plenty of criticism. It was the subject of many a think-piece because of its lyrical content arguably promoting rape culture.

Its music video only amplified that conversation because of its undeniable objectification of women. Adding to the cloud of controversy, Thicke and Williams were accused of plagiarism by Marvin Gaye’s family because of some similarities between the hit song and Gaye’s ‘Got To Give It Up.’

On a more personal tip, the artist’s then-wife Paula Patton filed for divorce following some infidelity allegations which occurred during the track’s promotional run.

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The trajectory of ‘Blurred Lines’ and its impact on Robin Thicke’s career and life can only be deemed a Greek tragedy. Indeed, following years of niche success, how ironic that the very song that finally made him a household name was the one that caused his downfall too?

Years later, Thicke, Williams, and Emily Ratajkowski – the main model in the video – have all expressed regret about their respective role in the song and video.

Despite his immense talent, the highly-talented Thicke hasn’t quite been able to capture the masses at such a seismic scale again. On the upside, he has diversified his portfolio by co-anchoring the judging panel of ‘The Masked Singer’ since 2019.