After producing mega-hits by Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado in 2006, Timbaland's first "Shock Value" album felt like a well-deserved victory lap upon its release the following year. "Shock Value II" offers another dose of Timbaland's futuristic pop-R&B aesthetic, but the producer pushes even harder to establish himself as a featured artist instead of just a maestro behind the boards. The percussion sizzles, with the track "Morning After Dark" and Timberlake collaboration "Carry Out" immediately competing to burn up dancefloors. The biggest surprise is Timbaland's reliance on Auto-Tune, which turns his rapid-fire musings into slick, slightly awkward crooning. Even if Timbaland hadn't altered his vocals, his voice would still be lost on "Shock Value II" because of an overdependence on guest stars-collaborations with everyone from Miley Cyrus to the Fray stifle the album's flow. "Shock Value II" packs plenty of heat from the layered beats, but never lets Timbaland shine as the artist he wants to become.-Jason Lipshutz
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Hot 100
Clarkson comes on 'Stronger'
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Billboard 200
Adele rules again.
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Country Albums
Tim McGraw debuts on top.
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Digital Albums
Lana Del Rey is 'Born.'
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Radio Songs
Rihanna reigns.
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Dance/Electronic Albums
LMFAO is 'Rocking' it.
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Pop Songs
Flo Rida is 'Good.'
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Rap Albums
Drake 'Takes Care' of No. 1.
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Rock Songs
Black Keys top it.
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Digital Songs
Kelly Clarkson wins.
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