Timbaland Presents: Shock Value
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Album:Shock Value
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Timbaland is one of the very few producers in hip-hop that had a sound that completely changed the direction of the genre. Other than Dr.Dre, there isnt any other hip-hop super producer with a resume this impressive. It's been 9 years since Timbalands last solo album, and It's interesting that this album doesnt have a terrible amount of buzz behind it. Although Tim is respected and tenured, hardcore hip hop fans tend to shy away a little because Tim doesnt stick to traditional hip-hop sounds. It also doesnt help that Nelly Furtado and Justin Timberlake are on the first single. In a recent interview, Tim said he wanted to make "world music", this excited and worried me all at the same time.
After giving the album several listens I'm very impressed at what Tim was able to pull off. There are alot of words you can use to describe the album, It's diverse, It's packed to the brim with guests, It's experimental. You'd think that having an LP with everyone from Keri Hilson, to Elton John, to 50 Cent would make a very uneven listen, but the most shocking thing about "Shock Value" is that despite the lineup of guests, It's a very cohesive album. I dont think any of the songs sound alike, yet the tracks flow seamlessly into one another. The production is pretty much what you'd expect from Timbaland, crazy hot. Even if the vocalist isnt saying something you particularly care for, you can always fall back on Timbalands music to save you. How do you think Magoo has been around all these years?
Probably the BEST thing Tim did is not walk down the path Pharrell did last year with his solo album. Pharrell made the mistake of thinking people wanted to hear him on the bulk of the tracks, and It turned out pretty bad. Producers are best behind the boards running the show, and fleshing out the song. You wont hear Tim on every track, and even when he does decide to step to the mic, It's only adlibs or a few bars for the most part. Overall "Shock Value" is a great album, every song has an element with some redeeming value.
*The Good:* Magoo only appears on one song. Very diverse lineup and sounds, a musical journey.*The Bad:* "Fantasy" ripped off the melody on Ciara's "promise" that was released not too long ago.*The Ugly:* "One & Only" featuring Fall Out Boy, probably the worst track on an otherwise great album.
*Verdict*: 4 Out of 5 Mogs
After giving the album several listens I'm very impressed at what Tim was able to pull off. There are alot of words you can use to describe the album, It's diverse, It's packed to the brim with guests, It's experimental. You'd think that having an LP with everyone from Keri Hilson, to Elton John, to 50 Cent would make a very uneven listen, but the most shocking thing about "Shock Value" is that despite the lineup of guests, It's a very cohesive album. I dont think any of the songs sound alike, yet the tracks flow seamlessly into one another. The production is pretty much what you'd expect from Timbaland, crazy hot. Even if the vocalist isnt saying something you particularly care for, you can always fall back on Timbalands music to save you. How do you think Magoo has been around all these years?
Probably the BEST thing Tim did is not walk down the path Pharrell did last year with his solo album. Pharrell made the mistake of thinking people wanted to hear him on the bulk of the tracks, and It turned out pretty bad. Producers are best behind the boards running the show, and fleshing out the song. You wont hear Tim on every track, and even when he does decide to step to the mic, It's only adlibs or a few bars for the most part. Overall "Shock Value" is a great album, every song has an element with some redeeming value.
*The Good:* Magoo only appears on one song. Very diverse lineup and sounds, a musical journey.*The Bad:* "Fantasy" ripped off the melody on Ciara's "promise" that was released not too long ago.*The Ugly:* "One & Only" featuring Fall Out Boy, probably the worst track on an otherwise great album.
*Verdict*: 4 Out of 5 Mogs
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