Summary:After seven years working on their own projects, Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo and Shay Haley return with the trio's fifth full-length release that features guest appearances from André 3000, Kendrick Lamar, Gucci Mane, M.I.A., Rihanna, Ed Sheeran, and Wale.
Williams and Hugo's unerring ability to transform a few notes into a sharply mesmeric riff laces their most experimental work yet with immediacy. Alive and well, N.E.R.D. have come back swinging. [Jan 2018, p.111]
Once a groove machine that favored the warmth of live instruments, N.E.R.D has roughed up its sound to match these themes; No_One Ever Really Dies is full of heaving beats and harsh digital textures that catch the day’s chaotic spirit in the same way that Williams’ and Hugo’s flashy production work as the Neptunes reflected the prosperity of the post-bling era.
Not everything is great--in particular “Lifting You” with Ed Sheeran is about as limp as you’d expect--but even the clumsier moments feel relevant and contemporary. [Feb 2018, p.51]
The album’s first half sounds relatively strong. ... But No_One Ever Really Dies runs into a wall midway through, as old ideas rear their heads like those nobbly-headed creatures in Whac-a-Mole.
one of the best albums of 2017. critics will miss this late surprise album in their lists! everything pharell williams touches becomes a sheerone of the best albums of 2017. critics will miss this late surprise album in their lists! everything pharell williams touches becomes a sheer gem. so many hits.…Expand
A severely underrated album. One of the best from 2017 and possibly my favourite N.E.R.D project. The experimental-ish pop sounds of the albumA severely underrated album. One of the best from 2017 and possibly my favourite N.E.R.D project. The experimental-ish pop sounds of the album are amazing and I've yet to find one track I dislike. Even 1000 with Future has grown on me over time becoming one of my favourite cuts on the album. The features are all on point and Pharrell comes through with some amazing performances. Will definitely go down as one of the most creative pop rap releases in the past few years.…Expand
This album is the definition of a banger! Each track contains the Neptune's trademark 2000s sounds of energetic and forward thinking beats andThis album is the definition of a banger! Each track contains the Neptune's trademark 2000s sounds of energetic and forward thinking beats and production, each one catchier than the next. Even with the album faltering at the middle with some weaker cuts that the repetitious ESP and the weak slowdown of Lightning Fire Magic Prayer, the album is a consistent banger with tracks like Lemon, 1000, Voila, and Don't Don't Do It providing some of the most unique dance tunes to come out in a long time! And very much needed in 2017! Pharrell is even back at his A game with him waving his freak flag high and just going nuts on his rapping and R&B croons. Even with some impressive guest spots like Rihanna on lead single Lemon, Kendrick Lamar on Don't Don't Do It and Kites, a co-joint with M.I.A. who is at home here, and Andre 3000 on Rollinem 7s. However, if there is a bummer on this album, it is the lyrics. Now N.E.R.D. are more about the beat and vibe than providing lyrical brilliance, and that's fine. However, it is one thing to have sleezy lyrics about sex on a dance beat, it is another to have political leaning tracks that feel more like shallow sloganeering than something deep and meaningful. Considering that Kendrick Lamar and Andre 3000, rappers that do know how do deliver deep song topics dealing with certain issues while also having some damn catchy hooks and beats, it's a shame they don't have more spots here and there to wax philosophical. Still this is a banger of an album, and definitely a great album to end off this turbulent year right up to the New Years.…Expand
Pharrell and the gang return as the N*E*R*D crew to release maybe their best album yet, "No_One Ever Really Dies". Featuring a veryPharrell and the gang return as the N*E*R*D crew to release maybe their best album yet, "No_One Ever Really Dies". Featuring a very funk-infused post-punk sound pallet, Pharrell continues to bring musically-pleasing performances along with an impressive list of guests (Rihanna, Future, Ed Sheeran, etc.). "Lemon" and "1000" gave listeners a very good idea of what to expect, both sonically and quality-wise, while exemplifying N*E*R*D's signature sound, mixed with more modern pop elements. This continues on songs like the flashy "Voila", featuring a catchy Gucci Mane chorus, or "Don't Look Down", a more socially-conscious track, on which Kendrick Lamar spits one of his most impressive guest verses this year (with a flow similar to Andre 3K's on "B.O.B."). Speaking of Andre, he also features on "Rollinem 7's" over a more experimental beat. There are a few duds that pale a bit, but with a very consistent, dream-like vibe fueled by great writing and production throughout, N*E*R*D gives us a great comeback album.
Favorites: "Lemon", "Deep Down Body Thrust", "Voila", "1000", "Don't Don"t Do It!", "Kites"
Least Favorites: "Secret Life Of Tigers", "Lifting You"…Expand
N.E.R.D. is one of my favorite groups. I've been listening to their albums since the 90s. But I did not like this album. It does not fit them.N.E.R.D. is one of my favorite groups. I've been listening to their albums since the 90s. But I did not like this album. It does not fit them. Even Kendrick can't save this album for me, but I wouldn't call it a bad album in anyway.…Expand
A mish mash, nothing new, nothing that mister "great taste for **** hasn't played or showed already....someone heard post-punk here ??? - giveA mish mash, nothing new, nothing that mister "great taste for **** hasn't played or showed already....someone heard post-punk here ??? - give me a break....this is a piece that nobody will ever play at any party, not in the car while being stuck in rush hour...nothing....this is just another display of mister **** kaka.…Expand
