Art Nouveau Magazine.

The Opening cut “Time for some action” has a minute long movie-like narration by Pharell sounding like he’s going to make some profound statement, before turning into a funky club banger, in which he assures “This is not love/it’s lust”. At least he is honest!

And with that, Pharell, Chad Hugo, and Shay Haley, better known as N*E*R*D return with their third album. Unlike it’s mostly Rocky predecessor “Fly or die”, this is a mish mash of styles; Funk, Dance, and Rock, sometimes interlacing all in one song.

Similar to the opening cut is the bouncy “Everyone nose…”. “Windows” sounds like “Around the world in a day” era Prince, a clap-filled pop/rock song with Pharell even throwing in some Prince-style squeals. “Anti matter” has a buzzing riff with rapped verses and drum & bass in parts, followed by the similar “Spaz”.

“Yeah you” is one of my favourites, groovy R&B, as is the Chic-sounding “You know what” complete with scratchy guitars and remniscent of the song “She’s not me” Pharell did on Madonna’s new CD. Both will definately get a club jumping.

“Happy” is a sunny rocker which wouldn’t sound out of place on “Fly or die”, “kill joy” (with a rap about Little red riding hood and Prince-like harmonies) is a Funk laced upbeat song with a James Brown feel, while closing cut “Laugh about it” pairs chunky beats with driving guitars.

Slowing things down are the piano ballad “Sooner or later” with lovely harmonies (remember “Maybe” from “Fly or die”?), and “Love bomb” (piano and guitars, eerie flourishes and chunky beats in the chorus).

So there you have it, their most musically adventurous album yet. A fun album with a little something for everyone.

–Nse Ette