♫ ALBUM REVIEW: N.E.R.D. - SEEING SOUNDS
Monday, June 9, 2008
♫ Album Review: N.E.R.D. - Seeing Sounds ♫
N.E.R.D. releases their third studio album this week, the follow-up to 2004’s Fly Or Die, entitled Seeing Sounds. Shae Haley, Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo and are definitely back for the revenge of the nerds…
Since N*E*R*D came on the scene with their debut album, In Search Of… (back in ‘02) I’ve been a fan of theirs. Lyrically, melodically and musically, I was super impressed by them, even in high school. And in 2004, they dropped the classically retro, but still fresh Fly Or Die, I feared that N*E*R*D would suffer from never releasing another album, nevertheless, I was pleasantly surprised with the release of Seeing Sounds.
The new album is everything I expected it to be and more. When the first single, “♫ Everyone Nose” first leaked, I was really excited. All the energy in the song had me in love immediately, and as more information about the album surfaced and Pharrell announced that the album was going to be titled Seeing Sounds, I knew that they came back hard.
“The Neptunes is what we do, but N*E*R*D* is who we are. It’s our life,” says Pharrell.
Seeing Sounds finds the band still touching new creative surfaces. Pharrell still takes the reigns for lead vocals, both rapping and singing on the album, but I definitely think you can hear a freshness in their sound. For me, there was never a dull moment in the album. I didn’t get bored, or skip any tracks. It’s a cohesive effort that shows their growth as writers, instrumentalists and performers (I’ve loved the energy of their performances). Stand-out tracks include the raucous “Anti-Matter,” the climactic “Sooner Or Later,” as well as “Kill Joy” and “You Know What.”
If you like the psychedelic sounds of N.E.R.D.’s new album, Seeing Sounds, make sure you cop it on June 10th, in stores or on iTunes.
55 Comments
1.
YEAH, I SAID IT!
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
I like it…a lot.
2.
8baller
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
I must co-sign Brian. “Seeing Sounds” is a great album. I plan to get mines tommorrow.
3.
bkkid1288
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
LOVE IT Downloaded it BUT i will be gettin it tomorrow
4.
NERD SEEING SOUND T MINUS 11 HOURS
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
DUDE I’M SO FIRED UP TO GET THIS ALBUM LOL…i even convinced my mother(who only listens to oldies and gospel) to get this album lol.
this album is it…it’s what music needs today. I am proud to call myself a NERD to the fullest.
and yall gotta post that song with NERD, santogold, and juilan casablanca from the strokes…allhiphop.com got it
5.
www.MethodAtelier.com
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
N.E.R.D. is fiyah. They are the cool kids of the industry, driving their own lane. We should all just, drive our own lane.
6.
Keisha
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
BEST album to date.
Love it!
7.
fire!!
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
Im gonna cop this album at exactly 12:00 am tonite on itunes. i love the energy of every song, and how they blend all different genres into one song and their album. i kno itz gonna be fire!!
8.
The Clonz
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
I got the album on the 3rd Of June and all i can say is WOW
my fav gotta be Fly Or Die but never the less this is gotta be close enough to make it a tie
SHAY offers more vocals than Ever and he is great i wish he could do more
Check+add: http://www.myspace.com/hillzyroscoe
9.
noneedforaname
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
first things first; the album is great N*E*R*D never disappoints.
Brian i’m not hating or anything but you are a terrible writer…you’re album reviews always come off so amateur like you’re writing for your high school newspaper or something. many people come to this site and read these reviews, please step your writing game up. have a friend read and edit your reviews before you post them please.
“I feared that N*E*R*D would suffer from never releasing another album”=this sounds horrible, how exactly are they going to suffer from not releasing another album.Maybe it would of sounded better had you said “I feared that N*E*R*D would never release another album”.
“When the first single, “♫ Everyone Nose” first leaked, I was really excited.”=umm okay. You sound like a 14 year old girl with a very limited vocabulary and this is a terrible opening sentence. I know you can express yourself better than this, when you’re writing a review it’s important to include information that is relevant. Whether you were “excited” or not isn’t very relevant to the reader unless you find a way to express what caused your excitement.
Once again I’m not hating I’m just trying to help you.
10.
JACK
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
It sounds good.
11.
lee
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
@noneedforaname
who shit in your coffee this morning? it’s not that deep.
12.
lee
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
my bad who shat in your coffee… you’re all grammatical and what not.
13.
OUTSPOKEN
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
I’ll be seeing sounds on 14 June @ Brixton Academy
14.
noneedforaname
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
@Lee
hop off
15.
mizz E
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
I feel you Brian. I’m so in love with Seeing Sounds, I think it’s their best album yet! Anti-matter is my fave.
16.
Thatsuperstar
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
Im lovin the Alubm . This is my group right here. I will be buying!
17.
lee
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
@noneedforaname
i’m just sayin… it’s a review for the nerd album, not an essay on world peace. be easy.
18.
ShayNique
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
I never bought an N.E.R.D album, but I have always liked the songs I did happen to hear from them. I love the video for “Everyone Nose”.
LOL @ #9…I always feel like the reviews he does never says much about the songs or albums either. But hey, who am I to talk shit…..
19.
STLCHICK
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
N*E*R*D is such a bomb ass group. I can’t wait to download these tracks you have posted up here Brian lol.
20.
Ryan
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
I luv anti-matter, love bomb, and kill joy!!!!!
21.
DeShawn
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
I LOOOOVVVVEEEEE NERD!!!!!!!!
IM SOOOOO EXCITED… I CANT WAIT…
and to NONEEDFORANAME
this is not the place to talk to Brian about his writing…. if you really wanted to HELP him.. you would kindly just send him an email saying how you think he could enhance his reviews. That was very tactless for you to put him on blast in a section that is read by everyone.
and yes.. im doing the same thing to you….
but its all love!!
just think next time!
22.
bruck_out
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
“you know what” it my fav song right now
23.
BFresco
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
Been a N.E.R.D. fan since day one yo. The way they blend the sounds of so many genres is definitely unmatched and just genius. Downloaded it, but will definitely cop a couple copies in support. You already know…
•Aye, check out my blog.
http://www.frescodaily.blogspot.com
Another source for Urban Pop Culture. But we Blend the dopest in fashion, entertainment, music and more… for Rich Minds Only!!! LOL
24.
danDan
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
i accidentally bout the remix of Everyone Knows featuring Kanye West and loads of other stars.
BRILLIANT…
Good times.
25.
shaterica
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
I really want this ablum. I might have to borrow from my sister.
26.
el
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
I have always loved their music and energy. “Seeing Sounds”does not disappoint.
27.
THE REVIVAL
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
I admit I have done some preview downloading of their tracks but I will definitely buy that album, trust. Everyone should also peep for Kenna’s new album “Make sure they see my face,” Hugo produced it, great album…
Also stop dissing Brian. We aren’t here to critique Brian’s article,(like #21 said, that’s what feedback e-mails are for). This post is strictly about their new album not Brian’s writing skills.
28.
Doin me...
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
“Everybody knows” this album was gon be on point!!!!
Love bomb got me goin!!!!
We dnt need a love song, we need a love bomb to blow us away
29.
cheesums
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
@9 !
Bravo! Well corrected. I’ve learnt to browse his reviews (they never say much!) and go straight to the audio files.
30.
TheLostGirl
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
I loved the album, fresh and well worth the listen.
31.
blackisbeautiful
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
I didn’t download the album because I’ve supported their last two albums. The album is nuts go out and cop it tomorrow
32.
Nikita
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
From What I’ve Heard So Far, I Will Mos Def Get This CD 2morrow. Always Been A N.E.R.D Fan and I Always Will Be!
33.
GLAMLAYDEE
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
N.E.R.D is crazyyy creative. All 3 of them ooze out this genius that justs creates such dope beats and strange but GOOD lyrics.. I love n.e.r.d!
34.
FLYBABY
Monday, June 9, 2008 /
A BUNCH OF NOISE. SERIOUSLY. WHAT R U IDIOTS SMOKIN? THIS IS LIKE 3 BOYS PLAYIN IN THE GARAGE EXCEPT THEY ARE GROWN MEN. PHARELLS VOICE? ARE YOU KIDDIN ME? HELP! GARBAGE! KEEP IT REAL YOUNGSTERS!
35.
STVO
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 /
its rare that i get excited about new stuff but i was geeked up while listening to this like it was 2001
36.
Get'em
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 /
NERD is a sweet ass group! They do what they want & I love it. Plus I love Pharrell!!!!
37.
LA
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 /
I’ve been a N.E.R.D fan ever since lapdance,and they are creative geniuses.
I have every single album and listen to them everyday on the ipod…this album is amazing…My favs…”Anti-Matter”,”Yeah You”,”Locked Away”,”Killjoy”..and everything i skipped out lol
38.
Rake
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 /
NONEEDFORANAME is right…I actually typed a brief critique of one of Brian’s reviews…I deleted it because I don’t look to his reviews for who/what to buy, anyway. But he should know that thousands of potential customers read this site and a good percentage of them are actually influenced by his opinions… he should do better because it’s kind of a big deal. I remember reading one of his reviews and thinking how he can’t differientiate between vague subjective blathering on and an actual informed reaction. The last paragraph of this review is good, though. So kudos on that, Brian…or N.E.R.D.
39.
Rake
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 /
Ignore that last bit…the first SENTENCE of the last paragraph is actually good. But the enitre lot of it is circular…he actually sucked me in, but I don’t know what creative surfaces were touched on…What Brian? The bare fact that it sounded new and different to you tells us nothing…
40.
Rake
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 /
and ignore typos, I’m multitasking!
41.
Millionaire_Daze
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 /
i love NERD , ther my fave ..but the best ccd pharrell every did was wit KElis Wonderland ..it da best !!!!!!!!
jus got my copy of seeing sound at 8:44 dis moring …i love it !!!!!!!!111
42.
MG
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 /
LOVE.THIS.ALBUM!!!!
Gutted I ain’t gonna be ’seeing sounds’ on the 14th!!!!!
BUY it y’all!!
43.
td
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 /
This album ROCKS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! “Spaz”, “Lovebomb”, and ” Anti-Matter” are my favorites.
44.
SouthernGoddess
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 /
Got The album about 4 hours ago and I havent turned it off since!!! I have it on repeat!! This album is crazy!!!! If you dont have it, you sleepin on one of the sickest albums to come out! GET IT!!!!
45.
big kuzo
Wednesday, June 11, 2008 /
Seeing Sounds offers a fresh new vibe for this genre of music. I think NERD did an execptional job of thinking outside of the box, but at times, some of the tracks seem over the top.
Generally the album is easy to listen to, however there are some tracks that have too much going on transition wise. Overall I commend the group for continuing to challenge artists to make something interesting, but I still give this album only 3 of 5 stars at best
46.
V
Thursday, June 12, 2008 /
i might actually take myself to the store to BUY this, love nerd
47.
DUKE
Thursday, June 12, 2008 /
WOW….some ORIGINAL SOUNDS …this is the best CD for the SUmmer….sorry wayne…..but damn….take a toke and listen to this art..WOW
48.
CB
Thursday, June 12, 2008 /
Um……….more beats please.
This is a mediocre album that lacks the neptunes sound that made me like the group in the first place.
I didn’t want to dance to a single track.
49.
paterick
Thursday, June 12, 2008 /
I seriously don’t know what’s wrong with me. I turned on this CD this morning after I got it, and yea you could say i was “excited” like Brian. At first the lyrics made me feel like I was a freshmen in high school again or something. But then the album spews acid through the speakers, because you just can’t understand how these guys pull off the beats and production that they do, but they do.
It’s not even on purpose, but I’ve been playing this CD on repeat for maybe 6 hours straight, sometimes in the background sometimes intently. I just need to listen long enough until I find the place they were at where they created some of this pop brilliance.
Don’t hate on them, because you don’t like their lyrics. If you read their lyrics aloud it’d be stupid. If you took them in the context of the song itself, even that would be wrong. You gotta recognize they’re there but at the same time let the beat pull you through each verse and see how incredibly the lyrics complement it.
I’m telling everyone now FIND AND DOWNLOAD BOTH BONUS TRACKS: LAZER TAG AND THE EVERYONE NOSE REMIX…they’re necessary for any nerddict like me.
50.
Jesus Tomas
Thursday, June 12, 2008 /
Greatest album of the year !!!! Love Bomb made me cry I was just overwhelmed how they are repping VA to the fullest I love what they do and are so proud of them!!!!
51.
ms.rea
Thursday, June 12, 2008 /
anti matter is my sh************************t!!!
52.
Courtney
Monday, June 16, 2008 /
This was such a great review! I have been a huge fan of N.E.R.D. since 03, and you described them so well. I’ve been reading a lot of critics trashing the album and I seriously start to get mad! LEAVE PHARRELL ALONE!!! But I then remember they don’t get it, and overcoming haters is what makes you great, so hate on! You hit the nail on the head!
Thank you! I’m glad SOMEBODY gets it!
C$
53.
Saul
Wednesday, June 18, 2008 /
What can i say about these boys i haven’t already said or thought? The biggest compliment I can pay N*E*R*D is that when they drop a new album it’s so fresh you almost forget the last one. I didn’t prejudege this one too quickly as I’d made that mistake on Fly Or Die and ended up accepting it was a stronger album than In Search Of by some way (and that’s saying something). Seeing Sounds, like the first album, is more immediately accessible, but still progressive. So far i’m lovin’ the epicness of Happy and the heavy grooves of Laugh about it and You Know What most, but all the tunes are tight. Saw them @ Brixton on 14th and wished they’d played these, especially as they didn’t have an encore planned and they’ve got more than enough material. Took my sister to the gig and she said it was the best live performance she’d heard and she wasn’t even a big fan before. F*** the commercial success, I’m Lovin’ lovin’ lovin’ N*E*R*D!!
54.
Naimad
Tuesday, July 15, 2008 /
N*E*R*D have always had my attention from day one…fro the catchy-as-hell “Lapdance”, to the ever true lyrics from “Maybe”, to the now-epic “Everybody Nose”…I don’t have this album yet, but I was fortunate enough to listen to it once…and…I’m addicted. the entire is the equvilent to musical cocaine…you can’t stop listening to it…you just lose yourself in a musical high you can come down from.
55.
PHILLYMUSAC
Thursday, July 24, 2008 /
N.e.r.d’s new work of art is the truth. Finally in 08 somebody put MUSIC out .. Two of my good friends Eric bootz Greene And lil Daryll play the drums for N.E.R.D daryll on the left and bootz on the right and the best live song N.E.R.D does is Spaz when they go at it at the end. F*** you haters on the album and F*** the haters that hated on Brian…his simplistic synopsis is what makes his review so good because it sound like one of us describing how we felt about the album..unglue ya head fromthe bottom of the ocean NONEEDFORANAME and RAKE