Justin Timberlake’s “Suit & Tie” was the year’s best lead single from a handsome, blue-eyed R&B singer–until “Blurred Lines” entered the conversation. Robin Thicke’s latest offering has already drawn online attention for its not-safe-for-work music video, which features enough female nudity to get banned from YouTube. Still, there’s ample artistic merit in this bubbly bit of disco-shuffling R&B to stir up some much-deserved anticipation for Thicke’s sixth studio effort. “Blurred Lines” is an absolute win for all parties involved, especially Thicke, who loosens up his tie after a string of overly sincere singles from 2011’s “Love After War.” Come-ons like “You wanna hug me, what rhymes with hug me?” could get eyerolls on a lesser track, but Pharrell Williams’ production–heavily reminiscent of the Neptunes’ early-’00s heyday–knows what tricks to conjure. Over a waddling bassline and rhythmic “hey heys,” Thicke’s octave-leaping croon makes a successful move from the bedroom to the dancefloor.
