Album: Timbaland – Shock Value

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Timbaland, or Tim Mosley to his friends and family, has his roots as an innovative producer for urban music’s elite, which includes Ludacris, Snoop Dogg, Jay-Z, Aaliyah and longtime partner/collaborator Missy Elliott. Over the years though, with a Punjabi MC remix here and a Justin Timberlake collaborative project there, he has also positioned himself as one of popular music’s most consistent hit-makers. That musical journey continues with the boundary defying effort Shock Value, where seemingly every style of music is covered.

As is evident with his past work, one of his strengths lies within crafting bouncy and musically rich urban music. Regardless of your thoughts on the G-Unit crew, you can’t deny the power of Come Get Me, the choir-like vocals that make up the texture of the beat are enough for you to not even notice 50 Cent and Tony Yayo spitting their patented gangster rhymes. Up and comers Sebastian and Attitude join Timbo on the vicious and operatic sound of Kill Yourself, this track is lethal. The opening track, Oh Timbaland, also packs some serious punch.

Now that he has cemented himself as a well-rounded music producer he is able to musically and creatively step out more than usual. So you will find him working with the likes of Elton John on the quite good, if a little light on content, 2 Man Show. Timbo talks over the beat Diddy style while Elton reaffirms his iconic status behind the piano. Timbo also works his human percussion and synth driven magic on the emotional Apologize featuring One Republic, and on Time alongside indie rockers She Wants Revenge.

While Timbo should be applauded for stepping out of his bounds and coming into his own as an overall music producer, you can’t help but feel a little flat and uninspired after hearing the album. Sure, it’s good, but is it going to resonate with listeners for years to come. It seems too preoccupied with the club than with affirming his innovator status and going to bold new places. However, if you’re looking for some mindless entertainment then this is the perfect soundtrack.

Available Through Interscope Records