On Friday, Sept. 18, Timeflies released their fourth studio album and second major label album “Just For Fun.” The dynamic duo of Rob Resnick (Res) and Cal Shapiro came together in October of 2010 and has since gained popularity for their YouTube videos covering popular songs as well as their original music.
Although I can count the number of Timeflies fans that I know on one hand, I was more excited than ever to hear Res back on the beat and Cal flowing with this new album. What is so unique about this band is their versatility. I simply cannot classify them as writing under one genre; according to Wikipedia, they commonly fall under the categories of pop, hip hop, electronic and dance.
Back in February, “NSFW” was released as a buzz single, but was ultimately cut from the final album’s track list. This song is honestly filthy, but its sexy beat is undeniably catchy and when paired with the music video, the irony of lust in our media-dominated culture is glaring.
In late June, the album’s official lead single “Worse Things Than Love” released. This bubbly, Motown-meets-Jay-Z hip-hop soul tune contrasts sharply with “NSFW.” It’s a sweet song and featuring Natalie La Rose just adds to the overall cuteness of this number.
Four more promotional singles were released prior to the album including “Undress Rehearsal,” “Stuck With Me,” “Guilty” and “Crazy.” The first is a great song to sing in the shower; the lyrics are clever and it’s impossible not to sing along with the “ooh lalala’s” throughout the chorus. “Stuck With Me” is very romantic, but has a sort of strange, swooping, almost whiny instrumental scheme. However, it’s hard not to like this song as it will undeniably reassure you that your love life will be okay.
“Guilty” and “Crazy” both embody everything I love about Timeflies. The videos are both hilarious; one is fraught with jailhouse and courthouse scenes, the other is simply Timeflies meets the Muppets. Both of these songs pick out small, yet relatable details of virtually all modern day relationships and use them to create songs that you want to take offense to, yet I can’t help but absolutely love.
The album opens with “Jump and Shake,” definitely a dance number. It is a great opener and pulls you right in to the fun of the album and encourages listeners to “stand up, shut up and move” and “put that body to use.”
Next, “Prosecco” slows things way down and is an unusual kind of song for this duo. By mixing intense rap with impressive vocal range evident during the chorus this track is sensual, captivating.
“Burn it Down” features Cal defiantly rapping over a synthy baritone saxophone. Prior to the first chorus, Jeopardy host Alex Trebek and Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen are all name-dropped and are turned into verbs. For example, “She, Alex Trebekking me questions!” Both are humorous and exciting for those who understand the references.
“Insomniac” breaks the speed of the album down again, but in a way that is intimidating and intensely sexual. Although enjoyable, it is definitely one of the album’s more explicit numbers.
Up next on the album is “Time Machine.” It is my personal favorite and I hate it. This song is more upbeat, one of the cleaner songs of the album and sort of Avicii-esque. The romance and nostalgia of this tune get me every time because it plays on a typical flaw of human nature: seeing the past through rose-colored glasses. Listening to it unearths memories that I’d rather not think about and casts them in a better light than they actually occurred creating both frustration and slight addiction to this catchy tune.
“Last Night” and “Booty Call” pick the tempo of the album back up. Although they are explicit, they are tamer than their titles suggest. “Booty Call” also has a unique beat that offers a little bit of a break from the typical style of the album.
Next, “No Excuses” is where dirty rap meets Sam Hunt’s “House Party” and really is an odd way of appreciating natural feminine beauty. Although this tune will leave you slightly confused, you will be unable to resist the fun, catchy beat.
Finally, the album comes to a close with “Runaway” featuring Carley Rose Sonenclar. This song is trademark Timeflies with its intense rap and theme of self-reflection. This track ends the album leaving the listener satisfied, but also tempted to start the album all over again.
Join me, music lovers, in my small population of super fans and buy this album … just for fun.