Search - Various Artists :: Neptunes Present: The Clones

Acceptable, but overall disappointing...

markus king | Winston-Salem, NC United States | 11/12/2003

(2 out of 5 stars)

"I've admired The Neptunes for coming up with incredible productions- infectious rhythms, killer bridges, etc.However, THE CLONES is far from the masterpiece i was hoping it would have been. Don't get me wrong- the production, for the most part, is still topnotch, but seems to be defeated by a mass of mediocre songs, uninspired writing, etc. In addition, I know Pharrell and Chad's hallmark has never been clean or classy lyrics (anyone who bought the first CD knows that), but i suppose i hoped stardom would bring a little dignity. No such luck, as displayed on the leadoff single "Frontin'", a good production that almost masks the off-kilter songwriting, and the incredibly tired line "...i was gon' tear your a** up..." (which, sung in Pharrell's wobbly falsetto, sounds ridiculous)--I mean, is that supposed to sweep a girl off her feet? Ultimately, the CD serves as notice that, as songwriters, the boys seem to be running out of ideas. Final case in point: "Good Girl", by Vanessa Marquez. Again, excellent production right out of the Cherelle/Karyn White days in the 80's, and again, a killer bridge. But check out the lyrics, and its uncomfortably reminiscent of their recent collab with Toni Braxton, "Hit the Freeway" (hell, both songs have bridges that say either 'how could you blow it?' or 'you had to go and blow it')...Overall, THE CLONES has more weaknesses than strengths...and while the production is very important, the boys won't have much to stand on if their efforts feature little else of merit...and that includes Pharrell's falsetto..."

Neptunes...Duplicating the hotness with Clones........Tight!

I.B. | Westampton, NJ | 09/21/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"What can I say about these super producers that have done just about everybody in the business thats anybody right now. They have come a long way and with this new one?...they show you just why everyone wants to work with them. Musically the beats are crazy and "out of space" as we already know the neptunes are known for. Lyrically some songs are on fire and others are just average but overall each song has something special about it. Its a good mix of Rock, rap, Hip-Hop and R+B. Whats good here?:*Light you A** on fire -- The title speaks for itsself - hot beat
*It wasent Us
*Frontin
*Good Girl
*It blows my mind
*Loser
*Hot Damn
*Put Em Up
*Popular ThugOverall they gave you just what the Neptunes are known for on this....the beats. So anyone expecting a deep philisophical album should look elsewhere. This is something for the system...music to enjoy(sometimes its not about being that deep). The Dvd is also a nice extra that has videos and a behind the scenes look at thier daily life. Overall its everything you would expect from a neptunes cd. If more of the songs had better lyrics I would rate this higher but for the beats alone its good. Fans and non-fans should check it out.Get It!"

Bare with it....................

Jenny J.J.I. | That Lives in Carolinas | 11/18/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Anyone who says this album is wack is not wrong or right. This album is intended for all types of music listeners because there are rock, punk, and rap songs on the album.

This album also contains a bonus DVD with interviews and a clip of the Clipse in a gun alley. A good aspect of this album is its variety. A variety of all different types of music which makes it a pretty decent album. The second good thing about this album is there are a lot of appearances on this album such as Ludacris, Clipse, Snoop Dogg, Jadakiss, Jay-Z, Nas, Nelly, NORE, Kelis, Busta Rhymes, Ol' Dirty Bastard.

The Neptune's have gained enough credibility in the music industry to be on of those producers who drop an album and people just rush out to the stores to buy it just for the beats. That's part of the reason why I purchase this album. Few of my favorites are "Frontin'" feat, Jay-Z, "Light yo Ass on Fire", "Hot Damn,","It wasn't us," and ESPECIALLY "It blows my mind" and "Put em' up".

Overall this CD is not bad. The Neptune's could have done better no lie. If only they put more time and the same amount effort into this CD done on their previous work, then it would been phenomenal. Instead they give us maybe less than a dozen great tracks, a few good ones, and some so-so songs that shouldn't belong on an album in the first place.

This CD is something to add to your collection and to say that you own it but like I said If you are a fan of any type of music then this album is for you.

"