“In Search Of”
They are the men behind the hits. And now, they have an album of their own.
The production and songwriting prowess of Chad Hugo and Pharrel Williams finally finds a platform of its own in the duo’s debut album “In Search of.”
Previously, the Virginia natives known as the Neptunes helped give Britney Spears and ‘N Sync hip-hop credibility on their respective tracks “I’m A Slave 4 U” and “Girlfriend.” The group’s beats can also be heard on remixes for Limp Bizkit’s “Nookie” and “Pass the Courvoisier Part II” by Busta Rhymes. The duo makes the transition from producers to headliners with “In Search of.”
Hugo and Williams met in music class back at their Virginia Beach high school. They were discovered by Blackstreet’s Teddy Riley in 1994, and after a few modest hits gained widespread acclaim with their production work on ODB’s “Got Your Money” in 1999.
For their debut effort, they enlisted the help of another childhood friend — vocalist Sheldon “Shay” Haley — and adopted the moniker N.E.R.D. (No-one Ever Really Dies). Originally slated for a summer 2001 release, the ever-evolving Neptunes scrapped the synthesized instrumentation on the record at the last minute (and at the risk of alienating their intense hip-hop fan base) and instead opted in favor of live backing from the Virginia-based band Spy Mob. “In Search Of,” released Jan. 29, just entered the Billboard album charts at No. 61.
“In Search Of” begins with the single “Lapdance.” The track is standard hip-hop fare for the Neptunes with a strong hook and syncopated beats. Yet once compared with the rest of the extremely experimental album, the track seems less strong and almost composed so the album would have at least one possible commercial success.
The rest of the tracks are definitely not for a mainstream audience. The production changes with each tune, and the songs are somewhat explicit. Things definitely get better on the second track, “Things Are Getting Better.” Arguably the best cut from the album, “Things” explores a Neptunes’ sound that’s not so dark and reminds the listener of a Moby composition with hip-hop roots. This track is also one of the few that utilizes the Neptunes’ in sync beatboxing talents.
Other standout tracks include “Provider,” a ballad which narrates the rationale of a drug dealer, and “Baby Doll,” which incorporates doo-wop beat and feel with modern-day lyrics. Throughout the album, the lyrics are both reflective, funny and always deeply personal.
After listening to the album in its entirety, it is not a surprise when the group adds an accordion to the mix during the album’s final cut “Stay Together.” Overall, the group’s willingness to experiment helps forgive it for any slips it makes along the way, such as the lack of countermelodies, the brief interludes of unrelated music during songs and the just-not-quite-right-sounding “Rock Star.” Luckily, they will learn from their mistakes.
The Neptunes have proven with this album that they have amazing potential. Listening to “In Search Of” is exciting, entertaining and thought-provoking. The Neptunes just have their own brand of psychedelic hip-hop which takes some getting used to. Lately R&B has been about “platinum” and “Bentleys.” The duo set out to reshape the genre, and that’s what they’re doing. With one listen to this album, it’s clear that the Neptunes are the future of music . . . right now.
March 28, 2002
