[usr 3.5]

On retro-soul infused single “One Shot,” R&B musician Robin Thicke looks to get back on the good foot.  Juicy J assists.   

Robin Thicke had a horrid 2014.  After the triumphant success of breakout hit “Blurred Lines” (and the album of the same title), Thicke found himself in a lawsuit and a divorce.  He would release a divorce album to channel his pain, Paula, but the results were sub-par and the album flopped. With his star falling as opposed to rising, Thicke looks to right the ship with his upcoming album.  “One Shot,” featuring Juicy J, is a start to get him back on the good foot.

“One Shot” opens with Robin Thicke counting off (“1, 2, 3, 4”).  The record has the old-school sensibility that typically accompanies the artist’s music. Overall, it is a well-produced track, employing retro-soul cues.  Also like Thicke’s music, it has a tongue in cheek element. Even so, it’s infectious to the nth degree

Robin Thicke kicks things off with the catchy chorus:

“It took five shots, and we were getting it on / and then four shots, we had nothing on / three shots, we were out of there / two shots, whispering in your ear / I got one shot, one shot to love you all night long.”

The theme is shallow to say the least – drinking and sex.  Thicke gets a nice shout out from Juicy J following the chorus:

“Yes sir / Robin Thicke.”

Speaking of Juicy J, he gets an early nod on “One Shot,” taking the first verse:

“Coming out of her bikini, ‘bout to rub me like a genie / get her all alone, knock her off, then I dip / if she work it good enough, she might leave with a tip.”

Robin Thicke sings pre-choruses following each verse; each is slightly varied.  He hams it up on his own verse, verse two:

“You got an ‘ain’t been hurt yet’ smile / and an ‘I don’t give a f*ck what you think’ style.”

Juicy J takes another verse, verse three:

“It’s your boy, Juicy J / I’m that weekend lover / Got Molly and Beck lickin’ shots off each other.”

Final Thoughts 

All in all, “One Shot” is a groovy, enjoyable song.  It’s tongue-n-cheek and downright shallow, but it’s difficult to deny the fun. Both Thicke and Juicy J are on autopilot.

Robin Thicke • One Shot [single] • Interscope • Release: 11.11.16

Photo Credit: Interscope