Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this album contains explicitly sexual, violent, and scatological lyrics, and strong language, alongside strong poetry and vibrant musical arrangements. Paying surprising tribute to many genres including old spirituals and 1970s rock and roll, the album is always passionate, always fascinating – but also gleefully sexist.
Families can talk about Timbaland's apparent obsession with certain body parts. Why don't most women sing about guys bouncing around on the dance floor, for example? How can songs be sexy without being sexist?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Kathi Kamen Goldmark
Using a virtual army of musical pals and his well-documented talents as a producer, Timothy Mosley (AKA Timbaland) has delivered a sparkling, varied, and fascinating musical concoction that pays tribute to many musical forms and eras, as well as the artist's generous appreciation of women's body parts.
But in between lyrics like "Let me see them big titties…tell ya boyfriend he better mind his own business, 'fore he end up in the trunk of my Bentley…it's you on me and me on you and you on her, then her on me/Menage a Trois" ("Bounce") and "You got me fiending for your body parts/You said you lonely and you need it bad…" (Board Meeting), there's some sly, evocative poetry, too.
The CD opens with a musical/lyrical reference to the old spiritual, "Sinnerman" ("Oh Sinnerman, where you gonna run to?") -- cleverly woven into the opening track as "Oh, Timbaland" and then launches into a rich tapestry of sound and rhythm that never gets boring, wandering between lush and romantic to can't-keep-your-feet-from-dancing irresistible.
Timbaland's vocals and lyrics are smooth and professional (if not G-rated), but his stand-out talent is -- not surprisingly -- the way guest artists and musicians are used. Stars like Nelly Furtado, Justin Timberlake, 50 Cent, Tony Yayo, Elton John, and Keri Hilson are given moments to shine. Timbaland features his guests brilliantly and appropriately, the way only a veteran producer can.
Fans may also enjoy albums by the guest artists: Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentSome sexually explicit lyrics. |
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ViolenceOccasional violent lyrics: mention of guns and stuffing people in car trunks. |
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LanguageVery strong language: "muthaf--ker," "s--t," "f--k." |
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Social Behavior"N" word is used repeatedly; sexism is a given. |
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CommercialismCar brands are mentioned; CD package contains an ad for another artist's CD. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoAn occasional reference to drinking. |
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