N.E.R.D.

Editor's Review:

To fans of N.E.R.D., Fly or Die, the follow-up to their brilliant first release, In Search Of…, is not a disappointment — if anything, it’s a sign that they can evolve as a band. This time around, N.E.R.D. — which is now the trio of Pharrell Williams, Shae Haley and Chad Hugo — ditched Spymob, the actual players behind N.E.R.D. on In Search Of… and decided to pick up the instruments themselves. With production from the duo of Chad and Pharrell (aka the Neptunes, one of hip-hop’s most sought after production teams), the boys have no trouble whatsoever in creating catchy tunes that grow with each listen. However, it seems this time around the boys are split with the direction of the band. Some tracks are obvious Neptunes productions, using their distinctive samples and sounds, while other tracks are completely original and unlike anything we have heard from N.E.R.D., or the Neptunes for that matter. Standout songs like “The Way She Dances,” “Breakout” or “Maybe” (featuring Lenny Kravitz) are innovative attempts to push N.E.R.D. in a new direction. Tracks like “Don’t Worry About It” and “Chariot Of Fire” are such blatant Neptunes tracks they draw striking comparisons to songs off In Search Of… If nothing else, Fly or Die is proof that the Neptunes (sorry Shae, we all know you do nothing) can successfully do just about anything they put their minds to.
– Paul Davis
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Record Label Virgin / Star Trak Released April 2004

Tracks Don't Worry About It Fly Or Die Jump feat. Joel Madden and Benji Madden Backseat Love She Wants To Move Breakout Wonderful Place Drill Sergeant Thrasher Maybe The Way She Dances Chariot Of Fire