Timbaland’s latest album, Shock Value, is very shocking indeed. Unfortunately, it isn’t the good kind of shocking.

Tim “Timbaland” Mosley has been producing revolutionary sound beats in the music industry since 1995 when he started working with Aaliyah on her album One in a Million. After the success of that album, Timbaland began working with Missy Elliot and Justin Timberlake. In 2002, Timbaland worked with Timberlake on the hit “Cry Me a River.” The two collaborated again on Timberlake’s 2006 CD release FutureSex/LoveSounds, in which Timbaland is heard in the background of the songs “Sexy Back” and “My Love.”

Timbaland Shock Value Released on Interscope Records Stater rating (out of five): ??1/2

He also had huge success with Nelly Furtado’s “Say It Right” and “Promiscuous.” Timbaland’s genius sound skills have been used by many recording artists and now he has become one himself.

Shock Value was highly anticipated after the recent success Timbaland has had with other artists. The album features Elton John, Fall Out Boy, She Wants Revenge and others – many of whom worked with Timbaland on their own albums. The all-star lineup takes away from Timbaland, and once again, places him in the background of the songs.

When Timbaland does attempt to come forward in songs like “Throw it On Me” and “Come & Get Me,” he sounds like an amateur. His lyrics are funny at times (poking fun at Britney Spears’ missing undergarments, for example), but his voice is unappealing and rough.

The beats on the album are still incredibly amazing and show Timbaland’s true passion. Opening track “Oh Timbaland” features a beat based on the sound of mass clapping, and “Bounce” features repeated hiccups.

The record is disappointing in the fact that it is much like Timbaland is still collaborating with artists and being the beat maker. He doesn’t stand out enough – it is his album and he should be front and center. After more than 10 years of being in the background, Timbaland may just need to learn how to become a recording artist and not just work with one.

Contact ALL correspondent Azka Khan at [email protected].