The latest releases reviewed.

ROBIN THICKE The Evolution of Robin Thicke Star Trak/Interscope ***

Thicke is the latest backroom lad to fancy a twirl in the limelight after producing and co-writing for Usher, Michael Jackson, Christina Aguilera and Brandy. There's serious weight behind his latest album thanks to new label boss Pharrell. What's interesting about Thicke's blue-eyed soul is how conventional and old-fashioned it sounds, in spite of lyrical posturing from his gangsta alter-ego. Yes, there are plenty of grabs for Justin Timberlake's sexy- funk crown, occasional swathes of ghettotastic swagger (Shooter in particular has a lovely, lazy swing behind its bragging) and guest turns from Lil' Wayne, Faith Evans and the bould Pharrell. Still, Thicke sounds a little unconvincing when it comes to selling himself as a bad boy. Despite the dodgy lyrics and a predictable over-dependance on lifeless ballads, the album does has moments (such as Got 2 Be Down) when everything comes right. www.robinthicke.com JIM CARROLL

Download tracks: Shooter, Got 2 Be Down