Music Review: Robin Thicke's "Sex Therapy"

By our guest blogger, Sanela Djokovic

Now, more than ever, with the upcoming release of Robin Thicke’s fourth studio album titled "Sex Therapy," the comparisons to Justin Timberlake amaze me. If Thicke’s previous work did not prove his separation from J.T., then his latest album should do the trick. "Sex Therapy" is a focused, sensual, stylish and elegant delivery built around his enveloping voice and old-school sound.

The tone is set immediately with the funky storytelling in "Mrs. Sexy," which sounds like the ultimate love letter from the ultimate admirer. The lead single, also titled "Sex Therapy," is a perfectly tempting induction of Thicke over the parameters of sexiness as he sings, “It’s your body, we can love if you want to/ Loud if you want to, scream if you want to/Just let me love you, lay right here, girl, don’t be scared of me.” The most pleasurable track may be "It’s in the Mornin ’"(feat. Snoop Dogg). The opening lines “I’m in the mood for lovin’, We’ll be touching, We’ll be hugging,” truly has the touch of its producer, Teddy Riley. Take Riley’s expertise and Thicke’s flawless vocals, and you get an ageless, silky R&B gem.

Thicke upholds his sensuality in the songs that kick up the tempo a little bit, with the delicate increase of bass and drum levels. In "Make U Love Me," Thicke throws it down to all the boyfriends out there: “You know I do it better than your boyfriend ever could,” and has you singing and bouncing along to “Than your boyfriend ever could, Than your boyfriend ever could.” "Elevetas" features a crazy intro from Kid Cudi that contributes to an exciting, adventurous and ominous track, which is the most beat-driven on the album. Thicke creates a fun song, with a sense of being on the edge without compromising his breathy falsetto.

"Sex Therapy" includes several guest stars, including Jay-Z, Game, Estelle, Nicki Minaj and Jazmine Sullivan. Both Estelle and Sullivan bring subtle but effective influence to their respective "Rollacoasta" and "Million Dollar Baby," helping Thicke create the throwback sounds he is becoming known for. "Diamonds," which features Game, is a nice tribute to women, "but Meiplé," which features Jay-Z, somehow misses all its marks.

Thicke also can turn up the romance, which he proves in the wistful Tropic-sounding "Just Right" and the piano-driven love story "2 Luv Birds." Throughout "Sex Therapy," Thicke shows us a natural confidence, tasteful sexuality and tremendous examples of his musical persona. He also shows that he could have been a giant R&B force in just about any decade, except for maybe this one.