| In Search of... (electronic version) | ||||
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| Studio album by N.E.R.D | ||||
| Released | September 28, 2001 | |||
| Genre | Electro Funk rock Contemporary R&B Alternative hip hop |
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| Length | 61:34 | |||
| Label | Virgin/EMI Records 7243 8 10097 2 7 V2-10097 |
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| Producer | The Neptunes | |||
| N.E.R.D chronology | ||||
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In Search of... is the debut album released by N.E.R.D. The group originally released it in Europe in 2001, where Kelis' Neptunes-produced album Wanderland, was better received. Similarly to Kelis' early work, the original version of In Search of... juxtaposes hip-hop and rock influences and styles.
In 2002, the album was re-released worldwide with the electronic production backing replaced by backing provided by 1960s-style power pop band Spymob, giving the new version of the album more of a rock-oriented sound. The skits and the intro were also dropped, significantly shortening the play length.
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This electronic or digital version features drum machines and synthesizers as the backing tracks, with a sound more typical of the Neptunes. This version is a very rare collectors' item these days and features a different track listing (mostly ordering) along with skits at the end of 3 tracks, and an intro, which is, unusually, Track 2. This version is available in the US as an import via Amazon.com.
The three skits tell the story of N.E.R.D member Shay (featured on the cover) meeting two female high-school groupies in a locker room (in "Things are Getting Better"), ludicrously calling in an escort (in "Stay Together"), and taping her during sexual acts (indicated by sexual female moaning) at the end of "Tape You".
| In Search of... | ||||
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| Studio album by N.E.R.D | ||||
| Released | March 12, 2002 (U.S.) | |||
| Genre | Funk rock Alternative rock Rap rock |
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| Length | 53:55 | |||
| Label | Virgin/EMI Records 7243 8 11521 0 2 V0-11521 |
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| Producer | The Neptunes | |||
| Professional reviews | ||||
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| N.E.R.D chronology | ||||
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| Alternative cover | ||||
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7243 8 11521 2 6/V2-11521
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The 2002 release features the same songs (less the intro), with more of a rock-oriented sound, with the use of live drums and guitars, played by Spymob. After the making of this version Pharrell and Chad learned to play the guitar, and have kept to this style, now mostly playing their own instruments. Pharrell has stated that as N.E.R.D was a different venture to his work with the Neptunes, it should also sound different, hence the decision to re-record the album.
This version is also shorter because it cut Shay's story provided by the skits. The change of tactics in the re-release also allowed the group to tour and play live as N.E.R.D more easily. It was released as an enhanced CD with extra CD-ROM material as well.
| Professional ratings | |
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| Review scores | |
| Source | Rating |
| Allmusic | [1] |
| NME | (8/10)[2] |
| Vibe | [3] |
In 2005, In Search of... was released as a 5.1 surround sound DVD-Audio edition.[4] This version is based on the 2002 release featuring slightly different mastering.
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