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Paula

Hey Violet | From The Outside Today

Label: Hi-Hey/Caroline/Capitol
Release Date: June 16, 2017
Rating:  -- out of 5
Grab/Stream This At:
June --, 2017
By Luanne Lim
 
After hearing the buzz surrounding Robin Thicke’s new album, I was eager to have a listen. Dedicated to his estranged wife, Paula Patton, Thicke’s Paula was surprisingly not entirely comprised of plea-filled ballads as some may assume. Rather, the album contains tracks that have a similar sound to those of musicals. When not taking listeners towards the Broadway stage, Paula also contains songs reminiscent of the early jazz and swing days.

Though not entirely comprised of pleading songs, Thicke does not hesitate to add some to his track listing, beginning with “You’re My Fantasy.” Awfully repetitive and with a beat similar to that of elevator music, “You’re My Fantasy” is not the strongest track of the album, but is a half-decent lead-in to the next few songs.

Personally, I think the album should have been named after the track “Get Her Back” for obvious reasons. The title is self-explanatory. The beat is pretty catchy, but like “You’re My Fantasy,” the lyrics are quite repetitive.

“Still Madly Crazy” and “Love Can Grow Back” are the token ballad songs of the album. With a soft piano accompaniment, Thicke declares his undying affection for Patton in “Still Madly Crazy.” On the other hand, “Love Can Grow Back” has a more sensual approach. With lyrics like “with your new nails on my back, you can scratch my itch” Thicke paints a clear image of what he thinks can make love grow back.

As aforementioned, Paula contains tracks that sound as if they could be a part of a musical. “Lock the Door” would be the song that the main character would sing after he or she comes to the realization of his or her wrongdoings. If “Lock the Door” is the epiphany song, “Too Little Too Late” would be the song that would play during the first attempt at a resolution. “Too Little Too Late” is similar to “Lock the Door” in the way it reflects the idea that it’s too late, she’s already gone.

The chorus girls stick around for “Whatever I Want” and “Black Tar Cloud.” Unlike the previous songs, the track’s message is completely different than those of the previous tracks: what to do with the freedom that comes with being single. Likewise in “Living in New York City” Thicke proclaims he’s “living it up because why not?”

The song “Black Tar Cloud” goes along with those that provide too much information than any listener should hear, assuming that the song is about Thicke’s relationship. The song takes the album for a sharp turn towards a darker route than the previous songs.

Veering away from the darker tone, the next couple of songs titled “Tippy Toes” and “Something Bad” seem to just be filler songs. Unconnected to the others “Tippy Toes” and “Something Bad” appear to be just… there.

“The Opposite of Me” declares what seems to be defeat in Thicke’s quest to get her back. Thicke sings of how “all she wants is the opposite of me” and that “actions speak louder than words” when it comes to relationships. For a relatively sad declaration, the song has a calming and soothing tune to it, easily hiding the hopeless feel of the message.

“Time of Your Life,” like “Tippy Toes” and “Something Bad” really has no connection to the other albums. “Time of Your Life” is an upbeat track that throws listeners back to the swing dancing days. The beat and lyrics are uplifting and danceable, making it one of my personal favorites from Paula.

The album rounds out with the ballad “Forever Love.” Sharing the same level of sincerity as “Still Madly Crazy,” “Forever Love” is Thicke’s final plea to Patton, at least on the album.  

Thicke’s Paula has a completely different feel than that of last year’s Blurred Lines. Thicke’s voice remains a shining point, however, the desperation and insight into his relationship with Paula Patton kind of made me cringe. Some things are just meant to be kept in private… and not sold to numerous people all over the world. Paula does have its high points, like the sincere ballad “Still Madly Crazy” and my personal favorite “Time of Your Life,” but it ultimately makes me second guess wanting apologies in the form of songs.
Facebook Comments: Keep 'em clean folks!
 
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