Robin Thicke lays on the ‘Sex’ for a smooth ‘Experience’

Robin Thicke

Sex Therapy: The Experience

Star Trak/Interscope

Rocks Like: A modern Marvin… Robin Thicke

Sex Therapy: The Experience

Star Trak/Interscope

Rocks Like: A modern Marvin Gaye who favors the falsetto range

Grade: A-

Singer, songwriter and producer Robin Thicke has come a long way since the days when he guest-starred on the famous ’80s sitcom “Growing Pains,” in which his father, Alan Thicke, acted. With all of the hands grabbing at Robin Thicke, the album cover of his newest release Sex Therapy: The Experience, accurately depicts his in-demand status as a talented musical triple threat.

Though already a Grammy award winner for his songwriting conributions to Jennifer Hudson’s self- titled R&B album and Lil’ Wayne’s “Tha Carter III,” Sex Therapy: The Experience reminds audiences that Robin Thicke is a capable artist on his own. Each of his three previous records have spawned hits like “Shooter,” “Lost Without You,” and “Magic” and have surprised listeners with their traditional and decidedly sensual R&B sensibilities.

Thicke’s fourth effort is just as pleasant as his previous releases in those respects.

Among the guests on the new CD are Jay-Z, Kid Cudi and Jazmine Sullivan. No matter whether Thicke sings alone or shares asong with another artist, his worldliness and romanticism are communicated through his lyrics and melodies. These attributes are particularly evident in uniquely titled tracks like “Meiplé” (Me I Play) and “Brand New Luv.”

In an effort to avoid alienating prospective audiences, he also invites the rising star Nicki Minaj to join him on the album’s most mainstream hip-hop track “Shakin’ It 4 Daddy.”

Thicke has named his fourth CD aptly because “Sex Therapy” is more than just a solid album. It is an experience.

Robin Thicke’s “Sex Therapy”