Timbaland just released his Shock Value II, featuring return guest artists Justin Timberlake, Nelly Furtado, OneRepublic and Keri Hilson, and new guests that include Miley Cirus, Daughtry and Chad Kroeger. Shock Value was an incredible album, showcasing Timaland’s talent as a producer. He seems to magically know who to enlist for his all-star team and how to make them sound their absolute best, in the upmost Timbaland fashion.
Yet with Shock Value II, Timbaland is dangerously approaching the idea behind the NOW collection. Even the name, Shock Value…II. One could say that all Timbaland is doing is bringing together some of the years biggest musical stars to make a few bucks. But then you see the likes of the long lost JoJo and Brandy’s rap alter-ego Bran’ Nu worked into the mix, and you are reminded that Timbaland is doing his homework and putting real consideration into his picks.
Appropriate features from Katy Perry are offset by surprises such as Jet and the Fray, giving the album delightful variety, unified by Timbaland’s signature beats.
The superstar producer is known for his work with Aaliyah and Missy Elliott, and has a history with Justin Timberlake dating back to Timberlake’s first solo album. He’s also worked and collaborated with LL Cool J, Xzibit, Jay-Z, and Brandy. He recently announced that he’ll be solely focusing on pop music for the remainder of his career (however long that’ll be), because that’s were the money is.
This pretty much solidifies that Timbaland will be releasing a Sock Value III, IV, and probably V. As long as he doesn’t start to get kids to sing renditions of his songs and call it TimboTime Playhouse.
Overall, Shock Value II follows right along Shock Value in spirit, but drops a bit in quality. While it’s catchy and enjoyable, and Timbaland once again proves he knows what he’s doing, it’s not the phenomenal collaboration album that Shock Value was. This may simply be because it’s more of the same. If he continues down the sequel path, I would hope that he doesn’t let his quality of work slip. As of right now, he is certainly one of the top men in music, and rightfully so!
In other news…Chris Brown’s new album, Graffiti? Anyone brave enough to give a real opinion on that? It’s a moral dilemma. We hate the man. He’s wretched and evil, yet his new album is fantastic. I’ve always enjoyed his music more than Rihanna’s, but he should probably stop beating people.