The Neptunes Presents Clones [PA] * - Neptunes (The) (CD 2003)

Pharrell and Chad, Chad and Pharrell. Hooks, beats, guest rappers. Ok, whatever.

Clones

This is a compilation album in case anyone didn't know. From the minds of the two most sought out producers in a long time comes...Clones. It comes with a DVD which features several music videos and a long "interview" with Chad and Pharrell. The interview is really cool. Chad and Pharrell seem like they're cool people. I snagged the album the day after it came out at Fred Meyer for $14.88.


Tracks

Intro

Light Your A*s On Fire - Busta Rhymes ft. Pharrell

I'm not usually a fan of Busta, but this track is surprisingly good. His lyrics aren't overly impressive, but it gets rotation in clubs and on the radio. This is the type of beat that defines Neptunes' production. Pharrell sings the hook.

Blaze Of Glory - Clipse ft. Pharrell & Ab-Liva

Decent verses by Clipse and Ab-Liva, interesting beat. Overall it only comes in as an average track.

It Wasn't Us - Ludacris ft. I-20

Traditional Luda lyrics, but not as catchy as his stuff usually is. The beat is good, but I don't think it fits the song real well.

Frontin - Pharrell ft. Jay-Z

This is probably the best known track on the album. It gets heavy rotation here in Portland, OR and since the station is owned by Clear Channel I know it's getting heavy rotation across the country. It is a good song. I even liked Jay-Z's appearance.

Good Girl - Vanessa Marquez

This is a catchy lil tune. Vanessa has a pretty good voice. The lyrics are simple but meaningful. The beat, of course, is good. The only bad thing is, it sounds like a Madonna song...for some reason that's what it reminds me of.

If - Nelly

This is a great song! Nelly really shows his stuff and the beat laid down by The Neptunes is outstanding! I wish this track got some radio airplay!

Hot - Rosco P. Coldchain ft. Pusha & Boo-Bonic

Nearly non-existant beat, it's very simple and quiet. The verses are pretty average. I don't think Coldchain is that tight.

It Blows My Mind - Snoop Dogg

Without a doubt, this Snoop Dogg banger is the best on the album.

"The chronic's blowin,
The chronic's blowin,
The chronic's blowin,
The chronic's blowin,
It blows my mind."

That's Pharrell's hook. It sounds good and Snoop's lyrics are always smooth.

Half-Steering - Spymob

I really don't like this song. I felt like I was in a freakin Gap or Old Navy commercial! Not exactly what I was lookin for in a "hip hop" album.

F*ck N' Spend - The High Speed Scene

Here's another punk/soft rock type song. Luckily, it's only like a minute and a half long.

Loser - N.E.R.D. ft. Clipse

Wow, yet another Old Navy song. You can literally envision a bunch of overly cheerful yuppie kids dancin around in the same clothes, it's sick and not in a good way.

Rock N' Roll - Fam-Lay

Fam-Lay's not that good, but it's a nice recovery from the punk/soft rock crap. It's a pretty catchy track, I'm actually it doesn't get any airplay.

The Don Of Dons - Supercat ft. Jadakiss

This is a raggea sounding song. This is no Sean Paul, Dutty Rock, competition but they try.

Hot Damn - Clipse ft. Ab-Liva, Pharrell, Rosco P. Coldchain

The ever popular Clipse brings back Hot Damn and drops some dope versus over a sic beat. This is one of the reasons people wanted to buy the album!

Put 'Em Up - N.O.R.E. ft. Pharrell

This is a good song. This is a booty shakin, hand raisin, party rockin track. This is one of the only N.O.R.E. tracks I've heard that's actually good.

Pop Sh*t - Dirt McGirt ft. Pharrell

The artist formerly known as ODB, and various other names, makes a decent come back after some time in jail with Pop Sh*t. Not amazing or head bobbin good, but it's aiight.

Popular Thug - Kelis ft. Nas

I'm feelin Popular Thug, Nas lays down some great versus and Kelis has a great voice. Over a classic Neptunes beat, this song is great to roll to.

Info

The Neptunes hail from the VA - for those that don't know that's Virginia, Virginia Beach to be exact. Their the hottest producers in rap right now and they've worked in pop for a while too.

Here's some popular tracks The Neptunes have produced:
U Don't Have To Call - Usher
Girlfriend - NSYNC
I'm A Slave 4 U - Brittney Spears
Got My Money - ODB
I Wanna Love You - Jay-Z

Overall

The album is good, but I have to say it falls short of being great and it's certainly not outstanding. There are only a handful of good tracks and the rest are average or lame. I really like Frontin', If, and It Blows My Mind. Other than that the next best track to those is Light Your A*s On Fire. I really disliked Loser, it's like a cheesy rock track. Unique but not my style. On a scale of 1-10, 10 being best I would give Clones a 5.5. You should cop this album, but don't rush. I would recommend waiting for a sale. Overall, I was a bit dissapointed.

Check Out:
www.n-e-r-d.com
www.startrakmusic.com


Thanks!