N.E.R.D.:
Fly Or Die

Release Date: 22 March 2004

Reviewed By: B. Malkani

1. Don't Worry About It

2. Fly Or Die

3. Jump - feat Joel Madden, Benji Madden

4. Backseat Love

5. She Wants To Move

6. Breakout

7. Wonderful Place

8. Drill Sargeant

9. Thrasher

10. Maybe

11. The Way She Dances

12. Chariot Of Fire

Usher Raymond - Confessions
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Great - another product from good old Chad Hugo and Pharrell Williams. Whatever your music preference, you would have definitely heard of the production of The Neptunes, especially since we see Pharrell in almost every music video with artists such as Britney Spears, Jay- Z and Justin Timberlake. However, this album is not the Neptunes, it’s N.E.R.D. – the alter-ego, if you like, of the production duo. N.E.R.D. is made up of Chad, Pharrell and Shay, (although no one’s really sure what Shay actually does…) and their latest album has a different approach in comparison to all the mainstream music we hear on the radio. ‘Fly or Die’ is the follow up to the 2002 debut album ‘In Search Of’ and is their “alternative” style, perhaps the flip side to what we are used to hearing: the bog down usual urban pop.

Their first album was one of a kind, a classic and a definite cross between hip-hop and rock, making the product unique. Nonetheless, Pharrell and Co have grown and are far more popularised since their initial release. Their current release is a little disappointing if contrasted with their debut. They’re attempting to move in another direction by experimenting with a variety of music genres, perhaps trying to conquer a different market. The album has clear influences from The Beatles, a definite 1970s vibe crossed with a Brit Indie feeling, mixed with the vocals of Pharrell.

Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the fact that N.E.R.D experiment with their style, as frankly I’m a little bored of their Neptunes R&B/pop routine. Besides, how many hip-hop producers can cross to rock and alternative, and also produce hot tracks for Jigga? But where do we draw the line with experimenting with style, where some tracks may be bordering onto weird? ‘Breakout’, for example, starts off with a mellow, laid back rock style, a track you could imagine listening to driving on a hot summer’s day. But then out of nowhere, Pharrell starts to scream: “Push people, breakdown and if sh*t happens…just blow it off”. You’re left wondering, ‘was this the right summer’s jam for me?’ A few other tracks start off giving the listener one mood, and as soon as the chorus hits, N.E.R.D. go a little crazy and start shouting. This also occurs with the track ‘Wonderful Place’. Maybe they feel like they need to animate the story they’re telling us? Who knows!

I must admit, when I first heard this CD, I didn’t know what to think. But, after listening to the album over and over again, I have grown to appreciate certain tracks like ‘Maybe’, which features additional guitar from Lenny Kravitz and drums by ?uestlove from The Roots. The song ends with Pharell saying: “At which point do you realise that life’s a joke?” - one of many classic lines on the album.

N.E.R.D continue to be musicologists in my eyes. They’re not afraid to be different by crossing over music genres, and know the roots of their music that they feel more than happy to experiment with. Pharrell acts like the classic rock star on the album and is once again centre of attention. This album is an average blend of funk and rock. I wouldn’t predict this to be album of the year, however, as The Neptunes are now brand names in the music world, it would probably sell on their name alone.

‘Fly or Die’ is a free spirited, feel-good album, and as per usual, boasts about the good things in life, especially on their first single, ‘She Wants To Move’. However, I’d like to ask a few things, such as where are N.E.R.D. hoping to fly to with this album? Why did they not include some guest appearances? (I’m sorry Pharrell, sometimes we actually do get a little bored of your voice.) Possibly an appearance from usual favourites such as Kelis? And finally, what is the deal with the dog at the beginning of their single, in their album inlay and music video? Flying or dying? I would suggest neither, just different but average.

Rating: 2.5 out of 5

Tracks to look for:
4. Fly or Die
9. Thrasher
7. Maybe

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