Robin Thicke, 'Something Else'

Backstory: The crooner formerly known as Thicke has paid his dues. He’s written songs for Jordan Knight and Christina Aguilera, picked up a Grammy for his work with Usher and had hits with his own songs like “When I Get You Alone,” “Wanna Love U Girl” and “Lost Without U.” Over the years, his sound has drifted away from soul towards more conventional R&B.
 
Why you should care: His voice is light and smooth, better smooth operators like D’Angelo remain M.I.A., and, hey, he’s got a collaboration with Lil Wayne!
 
Verdict: “You’re My Baby.” “Loverman.” “The Sweetest Love.” “Cry No More.” Those song titles sure show what’s on Thicke’s mind, and while he’s obviously got a lot of love to give, lyrically he's not very good at expressing himself. Most of “Something Else” is nothing but standard-issue R&B, inviting more comparisons than compliments. Whether it recalls Justin Timberlake, Jamiroquai or even Curtis Mayfield, Thicke’s voice never comes to the forefront, which prevents upbeat, horn-soaked songs like “Hard on My Love” from taking off. At best, this will hold you over until the long-awaited new Maxwell album arrives.
 
X-Factor: If records were judged based solely on how many babies they help create, “Something Else” would be pretty solid. Tunes like "Sidestep" have an easily digestible groove to them, as if funk was explicitly designed for lovemaking—which is likely the number one use this record will get.

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