Robin Thicke has successfully spent the last few years rebranding himself after a messy public divorce from his first wife and his album Paula’s lukewarm response. In terms of albums, the singer hasn’t released a full-length project in over six years. Songs such as “Back Together” and “One Shot” found the singer collaborating with Hip Hop artists, but both lacked the soul his fans had come to love him for. Currently, a judge on FOX show The Masked Singer, Thicke’s music is back on track.
In the past two years, Thicke has released two promo singles. The lovely ballads “That’s What Love Can Do” and “When You Love Somebody,” both of which will appear on his upcoming eighth studio album. Thicke recently released the official first single, “Beautiful,” which brings us to the second single, “Take Me Higher.” The song finds Thicke reuniting with producer Pharrell Williams for the first time since his 2013’s Blurred Lines. Guitar phenom Chris Payton also assists in the production. The trio provides a significant up-tempo number that is a sure-fire club hit once the COVID goes away.
Thicke croons lyrics such as “So in love/Girl you’re like the morning sun/When I’m down you lift me up/I wanna overdose on your touch.” Initially, when the song started, I thought that Thicke was going a stripped down slow jam where he showed off his falsetto. Still, it was refreshing to hear the singer give us something for the dance floor. I’ve been a fan of Robin Thicke since he had the long hair on his debut single “When I Get You Alone” way back in 2002. Suppose the promo singles are any indication of what’s come on his new album. In that case, Thicke may have his most complete project in almost a decade.
Final Grade B+
“Take Me Higher” is available on all streaming platforms.
Robin Thicke’s eighth studio album On Earth, and in Heaven is scheduled for release on February 12th
For their second single, the group presented a ballad entitled “Feels Like The First Time.” Once again, Greene handles the lyrics, while Neville Hodge is responsible for production duties. Greene begins the song with robust energy, proclaiming his love for the lady. Greene’s group members provide stellar work on the background vocals, and the songs eschew nineties R&B without going into crass vulgarity.
The ballad was composed by Michael Masser and lyricist Gerry Goffin, and it was first recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1981. Eight years later, Natalie Cole covered the song, shortening the title. It became the fourth single from her twelfth album, “Good to Be Back.”
Braxton’s vocal talent is perfect on the standards “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song.” However, like any good R&B Christmas album, it is the soulful yuletide bops where Braxton truly shines. The album’s first single, “Snowflakes of Love,” is instrumental of Earl Klugh’s “Now We’re One”. Braxton’s lush vocals encapsulate the warmth and joy of romantic love amidst a wintery backdrop.
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