“NO ONE EVER REALLY DIES” by N.E.R.D is just the album the band needed. Not only does it explain the band’s acronym, but it gives the three members of the band, Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo and Shay Haley a clear designated style. That style is a mix of rap, funk and pop.

If you haven’t yet heard of the band, you’re not alone. They aren’t quite mainstream yet, but certainly aren’t unheard of. It’s impossible to be unheard of with features like Kendrick Lamar,André 3000, M.I.A, Future, Wale, Gucci Mane, Rihanna and Ed Sheeran.

The album starts out with arguably its most popular song, “Lemon.” The beat is quick and catchy – basically, it’s not something you want to listen to right before falling asleep. Rihanna steps in the song pretty quickly, leaving those unsure of the beat at ease. She adds an element of familiarity that listeners of any genre can appreciate.

“I think this may be one of her best performances yet – she fits in so well with the other three rappers and it is so different from her typical style,” said Ian LaCour, avid listener of both Rihannaand N.E.R.D.

Following “Lemon,” “Deep Down Body Thirst”serves as a palate cleanser. It starts out slow and calm, in opposition to its predecessor. It’s smooth and more romantic. However, this sweet melody doesn’t last long in the album, because the next song is fast enough for the entire album.

“Voilà”featuring Gucci Maneand Waleis an explosion of flavor and bass. Gucci Maneis the main focus of the song with a crisp and deep enough voice to tie in the peppy beat of the bop. Wale is given a smaller role but his name still probably brings in 2 percent of N.E.R.D’s new album downloads.
The next four songs are less important to me, even though they feature walking legend Kendrick Lamar and sitting legend Future. The songs are slower, and not in the same refreshing way as “Deep Down Body Thirst.” They don’t bring the same pizzazz to the album.

The album’s eighth song, “Rollinem 7’s” is similar to the first two songs: it is quick to the corus and quick to grab attention. This may be because it features Andrė 3000 who brings musical magic wherever he goes.

“NO ONE EVER REALLY DIES” allows famous artists such as Rihanna, Kendrick Lamar and André 3000 to express a different side of their talents. The album’s artwork is of a white person wearing what looks like a grill. This fits perfectly with the nerdy, yet magical, album that is “NO ONE EVER REALLY DIES.” If you like pop, rap and Rihanna, give the album a listen.