Album Review: Robin Thicke - Paula

There’s a real conscience versus catchy argument to be had here, and if you go the full Chris Brown boycott that’s fine (you probably didn’t even start reading this review).

However, if you’re still on the fence here are some pointers to help you decide which way to jump. You’re My Fantasy features faux Spanish guitar and a breathy pop that ‘90s George Michael would be proud of, while controversial first single Get Her Back sounds okay when you’re not being distracted by its creepy-as-shit video. Lock The Door sounds like scratchy Joe Cocker gospel, while Whatever I Want begins with a Smoke On The Water-like riff and lyrics that pretty much nail why the door was locked in the song before (“I can do whatever I want/Kiss me all over”). Seriously Sherlock, still not sure why she’s gone off you?

Love Can Grow Back could be the twerker’s regret ballad, complete with clichéd sax support (“You’re too young to dance like that in front of a man like me, babe/With your new nails on my back you’ll be scratching my itch”). Tippy Toes is a bit less ambiguous and just a big gross.

Were this Prince being playful rather than Thicke being confused, it would have been fab, but instead, the sounds are just wrong. As a concept album, Paula does actually work. That is as an album where the concept is a dude who’s asking what went wrong with his marriage, while (ironically) demonstrating the problem.