N.E.R.D aka the Neptunes comprising of uber-producers Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo (core producers) and silent member Shay (vocalist) have released their second album Fly or Die. Aptly named, Fly or Die, this album is a marked direction from their traditional floor filling r ‘n' b poptastic tunes produced for the likes of Justin, Britney, Nelly, inc. other pop tarts.....Rather this album is more reflective of another musical direction, punk rock. N.E.R.D have taken punk rocks messy chaos and polished it up for a mainstream pop market and failed, miserably. Fly or Die was their appropriately titled chance to evolve beyond staccato acoustic guitars, bongos, and synths and herald the Neptunes as far reaching musicologists without forgetting, personalities.
In all seriousness, without lambasting the Neptunes too much this album is too ambitious and not technically able to match the musicianship of their heroes. Rather, the accolades and awards have given the Neptunes a license to hastily put together an album that showcases their actual weaknesses opposed to than their strengths. Some of their lyrics are quite simply dumb. Take note.
"Don't worry about it" goes along these lines "$$$$ happens/ just blow it off." "Gonna make you feel rage." "$$$$ 'em up." "Breakout/ Push people."
"Jump" is probably the worst; "Hey, Dad/ Okay, Dad/ That's what you say, Dad/ I never could obey Dad/ Punk rock tattoos/ Leather jacket/ Good grades don't come with that package."
Quiet simply I expected more, I expected more along the lines of their great poptastic hits and perhaps expected too much of their actual ability. Don't get me wrong, I don't think they should keep doing the same stuff rather, they should think a little more carefully before they tread the sacred waters paved by true musicians as opposed to $$$$ hot producers. I got short changed and undoubtedly lots of other Neptunes fans will feel the same about N.E.R.D "Fly or Die. "
Rating: 2/5
Words: Priya Puee
