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Stars indicate the most critically-acclaimed albums.
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In Search Of... [Second Version]
by N.E.R.D. [The Neptunes]
MUSIC:
This is the debut album for in-demand hip-hop production duo The Neptunes, recording with Shay under the name N.E.R.D. (for "No One Ever Really Dies"). Note that there are two different versions of this album in circulation. The original version, featuring mainly electronic instrumentation, was intended for release in August 2001 but was shelved by the band (only to be released in the UK over the band's objection). This new version, released March 2002, was completely rerecorded, and features live instrumentation by Minneapolis funk band Spymob.
| LABEL: |
Virgin |
| RELEASE DATE: |
12 March 2002 |
| DISCS: |
1 disc |
| GENRE(S): |
Rap |
All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...
91
Entertainment Weekly
''In Search Of...'' has a crackling vigor missing from the first stab, and its mélange of genres makes for music unlike anything else around.
91
E! Online
Evokes Jamiroquai, Steely Dan and Curtis Mayfield--all at the same time.
90
L.A. Weekly
An early contender for album of the year.
90
CDNow
The group studiously avoids the hackneyed synth-slabs that propelled their ascent up the hip-hop production ranks. In doing so they reveal an unforeseen musical sophistication, healthily cleansing themselves of all familiar bling-bling excesses, and reinventing themselves by delving into the realm of live instrumentation.
90
Mojo
It is quizzical, troubled, socially concerned, compassionate, schizoid, retro-eclectic, strikingly modern, racially mixed--and even likes women. [Apr 2002, p.112]
90
Urb
A densely brilliant sonic template. [June 2002, p.102]
80
Mixer
Embraces edgy live instrumentation that adds a preferred rawness to the trio's unique brand of urban jams. [Jan 2002, p.73]
80
Spin
As broad as their discography is, though, In Search Of still feels radical. [Apr 2002, p.113]
80
Neumu.net
Whatever the lyrical content, though, the pleasures of N*E*R*D ultimately come down to their exhilarating production, flush with the breathless energy of rock and starry-eyed with the psychedelic potential of the studio.
80
The Onion (A.V. Club)
A strange, rewarding, unclassifiable journey into the sonic imagination of The Neptunes, and without a doubt the weirdest, funkiest disc ever released by a Britney Spears producer.
80
Nude As The News
It's great to love an album on the surface just for the hooks, and also realize that underneath there is some true thought going into the concept.
80
Launch.com
While their hitmaking formula is responsible for countless success stories, the talent, smarts, and overall quality of this album prove the Neptunes are infinitely more interesting than most of their clients.
80
New Musical Express
Despite the rock, you can still dance to it. [Review of U.S. version]
80
Rolling Stone
For all its audacity and lyrical cleverness, Search is an album with insecurities as remarkable as its confidence, with desperate measures justified by sincerity of purpose.
80
Q Magazine
Still a stunningly individual reinvention of hip hop and R&B, with great songs swimming in a murk of bizarre arrangements. [Apr 2002, p.119]
70
Alternative Press
The live drums and guitars show how the duo's chartbusting sound bears a surprising similarity to modern metal. [Mar 2002, p.86]
70
Dot Music
If you're lucky enough to have the original version of 'In Search Of', you don't just own a sure-to-be-valuable collectors' classic, you also have the better album. [Review of U.S. version]
70
Uncut
Occasionally, N*E*R*D edge a little closer to staccato nu-metal than fans fo their inventive music might appreciate. [May 2002, p.105]
67
Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
Sure they're clever, but they're also as shallow as Britney Spears.
60
Pitchfork
While Rap-Metal 101 drums bang away in the background, the basslines are replaced by chugging guitar riffs reminiscent of your high school hardcore band. What remains, though, is the exceptional quality of Pharrell's voice, which, unlike the bass sound, doesn't lose its intensity due to repeated radio exposure.
The average user rating for this album is 8.8 (out of 10) based on 23 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.
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![N.E.R.D. [The Neptunes] reviews](/media/music/artists/nerd/insearchof/picture.jpg)
