9

6.0

UK release date 02.07.2007

Managing a soulful swagger and cute boy exterior without coming off as an arrogant R&B playboy, Thicke has achieved unprecedented success back home in the US and now the time has come for his show to roll on to our shores.

Rap’s overachiever Lil’ Wayne pops up on more than one occasion, while the only other two collaborations come when Faith Evans lends her vocals to the outstanding, hooky opening track 'Got 2 Be Down', whilst Pharrell Williams steps up on the fast-paced 'Wanna Love U Girl'. With songs designed for all occasions, there really is no wrong turn on 'The Evolution...' Admitting he wrote track 'Teach U A Lesson' whilst having a drink in one hand and a woman in the other (err, where did he put his pen?), the sexually-charged song reveals the explicit side of Thicke’s brain.

Meanwhile, no record in the past 5 years has even come close to picking up the spirit of a man like '2 The Sky' - its delicate instrumentation and emotive lyrics are heartfelt to the point that tears could rain down the cheeks of even the strongest individual. R&B/soul has a new saviour, and his name is Robin Thicke.
Words Will Lavin