In Search Of... [Second Version] - N.E.R.D. [The Neptunes]
In Search Of... [Second Version] Image
Metascore
83 out of 100

Universal acclaim - based on 20 Critics What's this?

User Score
8.9 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 26 Ratings

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0 out of 10
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  • Summary: 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.… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Entertainment Weekly
    91
    ''In Search Of...'' has a crackling vigor missing from the first stab, and its mélange of genres makes for music unlike anything else around.
  2. Mixer
    80
    Embraces edgy live instrumentation that adds a preferred rawness to the trio's unique brand of urban jams. [Jan 2002, p.73]
    All this publication's reviews
  3. Neumu.net
    80
    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.
  4. Pitchfork
    60
    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.

See all 20 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 19
  3. Negative: 1 out of 19
  1. NicolaC
    10
    I thought it was brilliant
  2. marshallm
    10
    what a cd! loved it ! one of my favorites! the 2 best were " baby doll" and "brain"...very original!
  3. JUSTINF
    10
    This album is killer. Nerd not only mixes several great kinds of music, but Pharrel wows me with his great vocal range... kickas$.
  4. NickH.
    0
    I just don't get it. I don't see anything fresh or innovative about it. They should stick to producing other people.

See all 19 User Reviews

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