Pros: His love of the music is evident and is infectious.
Cons: None
The Bottom Line: He sings. He writes. He produces. He engineers. He has earned the respect and accolades of his peers - What better recommendation can there be?
gmann6900's Full Review: When I Get You Alone [Single] by Thicke
(Robin) Thicke, blue-eyed soul singer, is probably the most original and talented among the new crop of Neo-soul singers. (Remy Shand and Justin Timberlake) He is the son of Singer/actress Gloria Loring and Actor/comedian/TV theme song writer Alan Thicke (His most notable themes being: The Facts of Life and Diffrent Strokes) He credits his dad for his early interest in music, and reportedly was writing songs at the ripe old age of 13. By age 16, hed met and befriended Bad Boy Entertainment president, Andre Harrell, and had signed a deal with Interscope records. (Hell, I was still begging for an increase in my allowance at that age!)
Thicke, as he calls himself, has worked in various capacities (Producer, engineer, writer, background vocalist) on songs by noted singers such as: Christina Aguilera, Mark Anthony, Kevon Edmonds, Brian McKnight and Brandy, prior to coming out front. Most notably he lists his influences as Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Rolling Stones and Led Zepplin - All undisputed masters of their crafts.
When I get you alone, his first single, is a funky, playful, danceable song, which has as its driving core, Beethovens 5th. This tune, produced by Thicke and Pro-j, was written by Thicke along with noted jazz pianist, Walter Murphy, who had his own 15 minutes of fame in 1976 with A Fifth of Beethoven. While I am certain this is not the strongest cut on the album, from this single it is evident THIS BOYS GOT TALENT! His vocal style is reminiscent of both Michael Jackson and Prince. He possesses a strong voice, a soaring falsetto, and a more than decent range. I for one cant wait to hear what he sounds like on a ballad.
But getting back to the single: Couched in an almost gothic musical arrangement, When I get you alone, is strangely reminiscent of Thriller. Like Thriller, When I get you alone successfully blends very divergent musical styles: Classical, pop and funk, showcasing pounding bass drum beats and frenetic and strident strings. The lyrics are playfully naughty, as in one phrase he moans, Baby girl you da' sh*t. That makes you my equivalent. You can leave your toys in the drawer tonight . Through it all he projects the personality of a singer who is enjoying, no - loving what he is doing, and you wont be able to resist loving it too. I purchased the single CD on sale for $.99, and was pleasantly surprised with an album version, a radio edited version, and an instrumental version - All worth a listen.
If the rest of his forthcoming album (Cherry Blue Skies) is anything like this first release, (New release date 1/14/03) he will be a talent to be reckoned with come Grammy time. When I get you alone, though no masterpiece, is a fun, infectious, playful song, which is well crafted and produced I highly recommend it for anyone in need of a musical and spiritual uplift. Pick it up and soar!
Recommended:
Yes
Great Music to Play While: Getting ready to go out
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