Disco de N*E*R*D: “Fly Or Die (Explicit)”

The Neptunes are who they are and N.E.R.D is what they do. For those of you looking for un-used jt or jay-z beats on this cd should save their coin and go cop j-kwon's new disc. In order to truly enjoy this album you have to listen to it with the correct prior expectations. Is the cd chill? Yes. Is this disc a kick a** combo of clumsy rock riffs and goofy lyrics? Of course, but that is what N*E*R*D* is all about. These dudes are multi-platinum producers; they know what they're doing. Keep in mind that you're not going to get club banging beats, your just going to get a sweet cd worth your lunch money.

Like anyone who picked up In Search Of... I was definitely anticipating Fly or Die. I give N.E.R.D. credit for taking chances when they could've easily rested on their laurels. The hip hop and 70's pop rock sound have been left behind (Am I High Pt 2 sadly not to be found) and replaced with something not quite as accesible on the first listen. A jazz-rock fusion seems to drive the first third of the album (The Good Charlotte collabo Jump notwithstanding ) yet it remains quirky like you'd expect from Pharell and Chad...perhaps Zappaesque (Backseat Love being a highlight) would be an apt description.

From that point on Fly or Die definitely flies. Wonderful Place is lovely, sophisticated pop music and Drill Sergeant is when the whole affair takes on a feelgood vibe (think Sgt Pepper) with it's background vocals especially. "Maybe" reminded me a bit of early Wings. The Way She Dances and Chariot of Fire wouldn't have sounded out of place on In Search Of.

If you bought this one waiting for Lapdance the Sequel prepare to be disappointed. Fly or Die is the sound of N.E.R.D trekking along their distinct musical path, challenging listeners to keep up if they can.

Crossing rock and roll with the best hip hop production this decade certainly isn't easy, but N.E.R.D have dropped fire on this release.

At first listen, it sounds a little shallow, a little too experimental. By the 3rd or 4th listen you start to realise how good this release really is. Basically, it's the best across genre's release in a while. standouts include:

Drill Sergeant - 5/5

Thrasher - 5/5

Fly or Die - 5/5

Jump - 5/5

the rest are solid, at least 3 out of 5 each. Don't buy this if your expecting pharell to be singing or rapping over his usual hip hop beats that he churns out for jay-z and co. Buy this album because it proves Pharell's musical genius, as it is pushing boundaries and delivering great music at the same time.

Usually, the infamous producing team The Neptunes had a certain sound that fit all the artists they produced for. However, when it came to producing "themselves" as N.E.R.D., putting them in a genre is harder than it seems. From "In Search Of..." to "Fly Or Die", N.E.R.D. has grown as a group as well as individuals. Every track on "Fly Or Die" takes you on a trip about life. And when matched with the enhanced CD portion, the playlist pictures just make the experience that much better. But dont think that N.E.R.D. would just leave you with 12 tracks to love. There is more to "Fly Or Die" than meets the eye. Hidden tracks are loaded on this album, some of which I wish were tracks on their own. My personal favorite would be "Wonderful Place" and the hidden track that follows it. If you want listen to something different than "mainstream" music that is promoted today and listen to something quite unique, "Fly Or Die" is for you.

N*E*R*D* finally released their new album which was so highly anticipated by true N*E*R*D* fans (like me). This album for most people is a love or hate album. I think it was ok. First of all I also must ask...wtf does Shay do? Tracks 6,7,and 10 are slower and these songs I found to be the best to listen to because they have different melodies and there are more layers to the sound. Especially 10 with ?uestlove and Lenny.

Now i know that from reading about N*E*R*D* that they have a very wide music taste which includes many very very talented artists who arent so known. One main thing that disappointed me was the Lyrics. They are very redundant (even close to ones from ISO). They are confusing and seem random at times. Often the Pharell also Yells or shouts in his raspy voice which can get annoying very fast.

The collabo with guys from Good Charlotte really upset me. N*E*R*D* for me is still sort of an underground band. Underground is known for a "better, more real, deep" sound...something Good Charlotte DEFINETLY does NOT represent. THeir whiny singing and yelling was very extranious.

Overall the album was very good. It has different themes and moods throughout it. Drums, guitar, instruments were all pretty nice. Id love to hear some keyboard solos. I think N*E*R*D* will only get better. This cd was only a crossover into better things to come I HOPE.

This cd is not a musical milestone...but good indeed.