Review: Robin Thicke's A Beautiful World

The first glimpse most of us had of Robin Thicke may have left many a bit puzzled. He was bouncing around happily on a bicycle with his shoulder length hair flying back as he sang a slightly creepy song about "Get[ting] you alone" over a sample of Beethoven's Fifth.

If that first impression was my only opportunity to experience Thicke, I would have missed out on two of the greatest CDs ever made.

My second impression of Thicke was vastly different. Clean shaven with short hair, and a smooth R&B sound, I was unaware that it was even the same person. His second single "Lost Without You" from his second CD (The Evolution of Robin Thicke) showcased his beautiful falsetto and contained simple, heartfelt lyrics. It's the type of song a hopeless romantic would put on repeat and listen to incessantly. The video featured his gorgeous wife, actress Paula Patton and is just as romantic and beautiful as the song.

Immediately after hearing the song, I placed an order for both of his CDs and waited anxiously for their arrival.

A Beautiful World

Thicke's debut CD, A Beautiful World, was not a critical success, debuting low on Billboard (number 159) and selling fewer than 75K domestically. With the exception of the first single, "When I Get You Alone", the album received very little promotion and few spins.

"Oh Shooter"

The CD starts with "Oh Shooter", a laid-back song peppered with gunshots in the background that has unexpected appeal. The initial lines "I heard some shouts like/ 'Down on the floor'/Then even louder we got shooters/ I turned around and I was staring at chrome" are with such nonchalance you'd think he was singing about something less poignant than a gun in the face. Score: 8/10.

"A Beautiful World"

The title track, "A Beautiful World" is a simple yet beautiful piece. The light music is the perfect accompaniment to his beautiful falsetto.

Best line: "It's such a beautiful world/ Time stands still for each one of us" (you have to hear it for full impact!). Score: 9/10.

"Suga Mama"

On this track, Robin's personality comes out in full force. The opening lines and beat draw you in instantly. This song is funky complete with sex appeal, fun, and an infection beat. One highlight is the bridge where Robin seems overcome by the music and he truly breaks it down. Score: 10/10.

"Flowers in Bloom"

Though the music is more upbeat, the lyrics a certainly depressing. Opening line: "All of the flowers in bloom/ She took away her sweet love when she died". Score: 8.5/10.

"When I Get You Alone"

While many may have caught this song on MTV2 in the middle of the night, I encourage everyone to give it a second listen. The beat is catchy (Beethoven sample and all) and the lyrics are well written. All-in-all, the song is performed well, it's interesting and it's certainly creative. Score: 8.5/10.

"The Stupid Things"

This song is utterly beautiful. Thicke is not the strongest singer in the industry, but he's got passion and he's got soul and both of those qualities show vividly in this song. The song features only a piano and a Thicke's unaccompanied voice, but its simplicity will draw you in. Best lyric: Sometimes you read like William Shakes/ Your scent is sweet like Betty Crooker bakes/ I'd love to have your cake and eat it to". Score: 9/10.

"I'm A Be Alright"

"I had my dreams woken/ Man I almost got some/ I had my car stolen/ Now my radios gone". This track is upbeat, fun, well-performed and original. It's hard not to dance around as this track plays. Score: 9/10.

"Brand New Jones"

Hands down, this is my favorite track on the album. Infectious is the best word for this song. His lyrically talent shines in the track. Simply brilliant. Score: 10/10.

"Vengas Comigo"

This song has a sexy Latin beat and a catchy Spanish chorus. You won't need to speak Spanish to find yourself singing along as this one plays. Score: 8/10.

"Flex"

This song gives the album a great deal of variety. Set to electric guitars, a peppy beat and raw vocals, this song fulfills the lyrics promise to "Make it really funky". Score: 8.5/10.

"Make A Baby"

"Make A Baby" takes on a bit of a 60s feel reminiscent of the Beatles. The lyrics are pretty straight forward and the music is simple. Again, Thicke gets points for creativity. Score: 7/10.

"She's Gangsta"

Thicke switches up his style with this track, taking on a hybrid of rock and ... practically spoken word. The beat on this song is more aggressive and forceful, but it still maintains laid-back appeal. Score: 7/10.

"Lazy Bones"

Political angst! Slight controversy! Apathy and profanity! This song brings yet another side of Thicke yet to be seen on the CD. Score: 7/10.

"Cherry Blue Skies"

The political theme maintains though this song with lyrics such as "white man's killin the black man/ black mans chasing the red/ war in these streets/ no talkin bout peace". It's an interesting song but it does not have much listening appeal. Score: 6/10.

Overall, this song was an amazing debut. Thicke wrote (or co-wrote) all of the tracks on the album and his passion and enthusiasm for music shine though his voice. In a nutshell, A Beautiful World is raw, poignant and intriguing.