Robin Thicke – Paula

It’s easy to put down Robin Thicke for his misogynistic lyrics, his cringeworthy attempts to win back his wife, and his sleazy vibe – so let’s not.

Let’s focus on the songs here instead. Get Her Back boasts strong, plaintive vocals; You’re My Fantasy is a listenable slice of R&B meets Latin pop; Forever Love is a hopeful track backed by some pretty piano melodies; and several songs have a slight Prince flavour (though none hold a candle to the Paisley Park monarch).

Overall this is a ‘paint by numbers’ R&B/pop release that doesn’t quite deserve the vitriol but doesn’t have that much to offer either. (PH)

** /5