Timbaland

Following high-profile hits with Justin Timberlake and Nelly Furtado, Shock Value is Timbaland's big Kanye moment, a chance to change from mere producer to personality. Unfortunately, Tim lacks Kanye's Carlton Banks sweaters, Kool Moe Dee shades or any self-deprecating wit and charm. With an echoing voice, the performer sings like a crappier Nate Dogg and his raps consist of boring boasts. Nevertheless, Shock Value's mix of hip-hop, R&B and dance-pop incorporates familiar and foolproof touches, from snake-rattle rhythms ("Oh Timbaland") to drippy synths (the FutureSex/Love-sounding Timberlake-assisted "Release"). The only time things go completely off the rails is when Tim tries his hand at rock. Mainstream hip-hop musicians often have little taste in honkey music, which is why so many rappers talk about stealing chains over crappy Phil Collins samples. Timbaland is no different, inviting emo whiners Fall Out Boy and new wave revivalists She Wants Revenge to destroy the record's second half. Despite these shortcomings, Shock Value is full of the kind of adventurous pop that's made Timbaland one of the greatest living producers. If only the album's whole could compete with its many dazzling parts.