Over the past few years, Robin Thicke has caused a lot of controversy, notably with the Marvin Gaye rip off ‘Blurred Lines’ containing arguably sexist lyrics. Then, after divorcing ex-wife Paula Patton in February 2014, he released his next album Paula later that year. An overly clingy album, it contained lyrics that smacked of desperation about his desire to get back with Patton. The album was a disaster, selling only 530 copies in its first week of release and further damaging his reputation. However, Thicke has surprisingly released a new track, ‘Back Together’ featuring Nicki Minaj this week – the question is can he regain some credibility?
Unfortunately, ‘Back Together’ sounds like a cheap, tacky hit; the thudding club drums and the funky backdrop sounding very disjointed. This is further emphasised by Thicke’s weak lyrics: “Now all I wanna do is get you back / Cause girl, you’re still the best thing I ever had” showing that he is now trying to win Patton back by sweet talking her and it is tiresome and overdone. Minaj’s delivery is also both irritating and nauseous as she spouts unrelated lyrics, while the chorus is forgettable.
This track may appeal to pop music lovers, but it doesn’t look like Thicke’s reputation will be revived any time soon.
Words by Ermis Madikopoulos