Album Review: Shock Value II by Timbaland

If Timbaland expects us to be "shocked" by the beats or big-name guests on his latest album, he's clearly fooling himself. The only thing shocking about Shock Value II is how epically terrible it is. There's nothing sadder than seeing a musical genius give up on trying, except for maybe that same genius becoming an embarrassing caricature of himself.

With featured vocals by Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus and Daughtry, it seems odd that Timbaland chose the Twilight-inspired "Morning After Dark" as the album's first single. Upon listening to the entire project, you suddenly realize why–it's pretty much the only tolerable song on the entire track list.

There are a few songs that are only near misses hear and there, notably Drake's contribution "Say Something" and The Fray & Esthero's "Undertow". Neither could rival Timbaland's best production work, but they had potential for at least being modest radio hits. It's a shame that the goofy knob-turner thought it'd be a good idea to throw his own voice in the mix. 

After being so intrusive on those songs, it's odd that he chooses to add minimal contributions to his collaborations with Daughtry and Miley. Consequently, these songs don't manage to find an identity, coming off as bad remixes of each singers' original work. And let's not even talk about the track with Chad Kroeger of Nickelback. It's blatant proof of Timbo's creative demise.

On the Jet-assisted number "Timothy Where You Been", the mega-producer raps the following line: "Some say I went away, but really I never left". He fails to realize that the people saying he "went away" aren't talking about him in the physical sense. They're wondering what happened to the man who crafted songs that were both complex and radio friendly, like Missy Elliott's "Get Ur Freak On", Ginuwine's "Pony" or Aaliyah's "Are You That Somebody?" The answer–he's no longer there.

– Dewitt