The Neptunes consist of two members – Pharrell and Chad, and N.E.R.D of three but you wouldn’t really know it though as it’s all about Pharrell, another Pharrell interview, photo or story in the tabloids. In fact I don’t think I can remember reading one interview with either of the other two members of N.E.R.D – Chad (yes, him again) and Shay, ever.

Pharrell is the face of The Neptunes and of N.E.R.D and by now he must have an ego the size of the planet Neptune these days, I know I would if I was feted as one half of the premier producers on the planet with all the money, partying and pussy a young man can handle.

And what comes with a new and enhanced ego? That’s right – pride, and what does pride precede? Yes – a shit record, sorry, I mean a fall.

The main problem here is Pharrell's voice. He needs to take some singing lessons; the vocals let the whole thing down with his half talking, half singing delivery with the whiney falsettos. He should have stuck to rapping; it was invented for this very purpose.

Also having dispensed with the funk/rock band Spymob who played on their debut In Search Of... they play the instruments themselves and get Lenny Kravitz in here to play guitar. The music is still pretty good in a 70s radio friendly rock fashion but all the while there's that voice and his dopey lyrics. Being the best producers on the planet doesn't mean your band will be the best though, and judged on this release - average is a compliment.

When I was done listening to this I was reminded of the segment from Boogie Nights when Mark Wahlberg and John C. Reilly are coked out of their brains recording self penned AOR anthems and neither can sing or play with any great skill.  OK, that's a little harsh, it's not that awful but it is a self-indulgent mess, a post club jam session with Lenny Kravitz, fuelled by alcohol and drugs, which somehow ended up on the album. Shay, the non-Neptunes rapper, must have been sorting out the food and drinks as his presence here is like a Jason Orange solo on a Take That record - non-existent.
(2/5)

 

Release Date: 14 June 2004

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