N.E.R.D. “NOTHING” REVIEW

N.E.R.D. has come a long way since “In Search of…” I remember watching MTV when I was very youg and seeing this band redefine the sound of mainstream music. Since then “The Neptunes” produced pretty much everything that was on the radio in the late nineties and early 2000′s. Some argue that their music style has died out and they haven’t evolved accordingly due to artistic differences between the band members. To them I say: “relax, bro.” (i don’t really talk like that)

Even if their mainstream production has slowed down considerably, I believe that their artistic focus is based on a personal motivation to create work that’s more interesting. Pharrell, Chad and Shae don’t need number one hits anymore. “Seeing Sounds” produced a couple interesting tracks, but nothing out of this world. They needed to come back with something that is true to their roots and what they admire.

If you follow the “Billionaire Boys Club” brand, you can see the 50′s Americana touches in a lot of their clothing. That gives a clue into the honesty that is portrayed in “Nothing.” I remember watching an interview in which Shae explained the complete shut down of over 20 tracks that were supposed to make the original cut, hence starting from “Nothing.”

“Nothing,” has the obligatory single “Hot N’ Fun,” which did considerably well but didn’t impress many people. If you take a closer listen you’ll find songs like “God Bless Us All,” and “Perfect Defect.” It is unfortunate to say that these songs follow the current, “taking it back” fad. This fad was arguably started by Mark Ronson on Amy Winehouse’s “Back to Black.” (in mainstream music of course) (people have always been doing this.) Other acts like Janelle Monae and recently Cee Lo Green have followed with some impressive, classic-sounding tracks that really stick to that classic analog sound. “Nothing” makes some attempts at this and has moderate success in doing so. (in my opinion, ofcourse)

My only criticisms are that if this type of music is being created you need to have some real instruments, at least layered ontop of programmed tracks. Although they usually have real drums layered ontop of programmed ones, they aren’t very prominent in these mixes, if they’re really there. Maybe more time should’ve been spent to throw some dirt on these productions. Overall, my two favorite tracks are “Perfect Defect” and “God Bless Us All.”

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