Have the Neptunes caught a brick? Sophomore slump? Value judgments aside, Fly or Die will seriously polarize listeners. "Don't Worry About It(1), Breakout(2)," and "Thrasher(3)" keep N.E.R.D.'s signature riffs alive, but memorable hooks are nowhere to be found. Instead, we have the piano stomp of the first single, "She Wants To Move(4)," the acoustic balladry of "Wonderful Place(5)," and Pharrell's painfully juvenile teen-angst lyrics all over the place (not to mention a featured appearance by Good Charlotte on "Jump(6)"– holler at your mall punk!). All in all, this N.E.R.D. album is a definite departure from the debut's expert blend of rock, soul, and Neptunes thump. It's too early to label Fly or Die a disappointment– remember, In Search Of… took a while to catch on. But, love it or hate it…there's still the new Clipse album to look forward to. GRINDING! 12 tracks total. (ed's note: for what it's worth, it seems like the teen generation is loving this, just ask Killmanjaro aka Lil Lloydski).

reviewed by Nick Catchdubs