Hubbry Logo
Shock Value IIShock Value IIMain
Open search
Shock Value II
Community hub
Shock Value II
logo
7 pages, 0 posts
0 subscribers
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Be the first to start a discussion here.
Shock Value II
Shock Value II
Shock Value II
View on Wikipedia
from Wikipedia

Shock Value II
Standard edition cover. Deluxe edition features a red color scheme.
Studio album by
Timbaland
ReleasedDecember 8, 2009
Recorded2008–09
StudioThomas Crown (Virginia Beach, Virginia)
Genre
Length73:16
Label
Producer
Timbaland chronology
Shock Value
(2007) 		Shock Value II
(2009)
Singles from Shock Value II
  1. "Morning After Dark"
    Released: October 26, 2009[1]
  2. "Say Something"
    Released: November 3, 2009
  3. "Carry Out"
    Released: December 1, 2009
  4. "If We Ever Meet Again"
    Released: February 15, 2010

Shock Value II is the third studio album by American record producer Timbaland. It serves as the sequel to his previous album, Shock Value.[2] Initially slated for a 2008 release, the project was pushed into 2009 and tentatively confirmed for November 23, 2009[3] through Blackground Records, Mosley Music Group and Interscope Records, however, it was pushed back once more and finally released on December 7, 2009 in the UK and December 8 in the US.[4]

The album was supported by the successful singles "Carry Out" (featuring Justin Timberlake) and "Say Something" (featuring Drake). Unlike its predecessor, it expands beyond hip hop and R&B to include collaborations with alternative rock acts Chad Kroeger, Jet, the Fray and Daughtry, as well as pop artists Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, JoJo, Melody Thornton, and Esthero. Upon release, Shock Value II performed moderately on the Billboard 200 and was met with unfavorable critical reception.[5][6]

Background and production

[edit]

Timbaland spoke to MTV's Shaheem Reid back in July 2008 to confirm that he was working on the follow-up to his platinum-selling Shock Value.[2] At the time he confirmed that he had one track with Madonna which although recorded for her album Hard Candy it had not been used and could end up on this album instead.[2] He was insistent that he would also collaborate with Jordin Sparks, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Jonas Brothers, Miley Cyrus, T.I. and Chris Brown[2] However, none of these collaborations (except Miley Cyrus) made it to the final track list. He also said that alongside T-Pain who will definitely appear, he hoped to get Jay-Z on board,[2] although he ultimately failed to do so.

Timbaland also told Invasion Radio in October 2009 that he had used PSP application Beaterator to produce some of the beats for Shock Value II as well as Jay Z's last album.[7]

Speaking of the album in November 2009, Timbaland said:

I’m so fortunate and blessed to be able to create a Shock Value II, I’m really proud of the caliber of artists on this album and all the work they put into making it a success. I can promise that no one has ever heard Katy Perry, The Fray, or Brandy sound like this before. It’s exciting because not only am I giving fans the best of me on each track, I’m giving them a glimpse of their favorite artist in a completely different light. This is an album that can be listened to from start to finish every single time because each song is so unique and the range of artists so diverse. I can’t wait for my fans to hear the collaborations.[8]

Music and collaborations

[edit]

Billboard reported in October that Timbaland had collaborated with a number of previous collaborators to produce the album which will feature guest vocals just like Shock Value.[9] Justin Timberlake recorded vocals for two song. The first, "Carry Out", features on the album, while the second, "Crazy Girl",[10] contains a sample of "I Love Them Girls" by Tank,[11] but was not included on the album. The song "Maniac"[10] was set to appear on the album with features vocals from Keri Hilson and Chris Brown; however, in November 2009, during an interview with E! Online, it was revealed that both Brown and Timbaland mutually agreed to this version of the song.[12] A new incarnation of the song does appear on the album titled "The One I Love", still featuring Hilson's vocals, but this time alongside D.O.E. The duo previously collaborated to feature on Timbaland's 2007 number one single "The Way I Are.

Nelly Furtado, whose 2006 album Loose was executive produced by Timabaland, is featured on the album's lead single "Morning After Dark"[13] along with Timbaland's new artist SoShy. Timbaland described the song as

very interesting — it features this new artist on my label called SoShy from Paris. We're both rapping. The song — I can't describe it — it's so different. It's not different for me, but I can tell you this: it fits everything going on with the vampire theme. It fits everything with Twilight.[14]

He added that "that record has the most unique sound from the whole album".[15] Timbaland previously worked with Brandy Norwood on her album Afrodisiac and although recording sessions were completed for her 2008 follow up Human their work did not make the album. However Brandy appears on two songs for his new album as her alter-ego Bran'Nu. The first song is called "Meet in tha Middle"[16] while the second is called "Symphony" and also features rapper Attitude.[17] The latter song also features vocals from D.O.E.[17]

Although Timbaland's protégé group OneRepublic (previously appeared on Shock Value's worldwide hit "Apologize") have written and produced their second album Waking Up themselves they have sent the producer a rock-themed recording "Marchin On" which was remixed for inclusion on Shock Value 2 while appearing in a stripped version on their own album.[10] Other similarly themed recordings come in the form of American rockband Daughtry on the song "Long Way Down",[10] The Fray on "Undertow" also featuring Canadian songwriter Esthero, with Australian rockband Jet on "Timothy (Where Have You Been)" and with Nickelback's Chad Kroeger for the song "Tomorrow in the Bottle"[10] with a verse from rapper Sebastian.

Billboard Magazine reported on several other artists who collaborated for the album (Paramore, Gucci Mane, and All-American Rejects) whose songs do not appear on the final track listing.[9] The album also features the hip-hop producer working on a number of new directions for his music. In an interview with Ryan Seacrest it was revealed that the producer has worked on several surprising collaborations with pop artists such as Miley Cyrus on the song "We Belong to the Music", Katy Perry on the song "If We Ever Meet Again"[10] and JoJo on the song "Lose Control".[17] JoJo also appears on the song "Timothy (Where Have You Been)" where she can be heard singing backing vocals but is not featured.

The album also remains true to the producer's hip-hop and urban roots with collaborations with Drake on "Say Something" which was released as the album's second single.[10] Esthero[10] makes an additional appearance on the song "Can You Feel It" with Sebastian's vocals.[17] Finally the album features the song "Ease Off the Liquor" which has no accredited featured artist although female vocals provide the backing in the chorus. It was speculated that the song would feature Melody Thornton however it was later confirmed that the background vocals and ad-libs are provided by both Thornton & SoShy.[18] In the week commencing November 9, 2009 the song was sent to Urban radio in the US.[19]

Several other Timbaland recordings received media attention and were reported on the internet but not included in the final track listing. Shakira was asked to record vocals on the song "Give It Up to Me" but the recording is not included on Shock Value 2, instead it was included on her sixth studio album She Wolf and released as the second US single.[20] Although both T-Pain and Missy Elliott were said to feature on the album for definite,[16] their collaboration "Talk That" is not included. Additionally it was reported that Jay-Z's collaboration for the album would come in the form of song called "Rumours" with Keri Hilson[21] but later it was revealed that the song was intended for Beyoncé who back in 2007 was recording with Timbaland for her third studio album I Am... Sasha Fierce.

Promotion and release

[edit]

The album was initially slated for a November 4, 2008 release but this clashed with the 2008 US Presidential Election. The album was then put on hold so that Timbaland could work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint 3 which was released September 2009. Then Rap-Up magazine confirmed that the album would be released as part of Super Monday, November 23, 2009 in both the US and UK with the US also receiving a 2-disc deluxe edition.[22] However the magazine revealed on October 29, 2009 that the album had been pushed back to December 8, 2009.[4]

Timbaland performed part of the lead single "Morning After Dark" live at one of the album's launch parties at Mandalay Bay Beach on October 17 and again During the F1 in Abu Dhabi, UAE on October 30, 2009. Then he appeared with Nelly Furtado and SoShy for the first fully featured live performance of the song at the American Music Awards (2009) on November 22, 2009. On November 23, 2009 the trio appeared on The Tonight Show with Conan O'Brien for an encoré performance.

Singles

[edit]
  • "Morning After Dark", featuring SoShy and Nelly Furtado, premiered on October 16, 2009 on Ryan Seacrest's KIIS-FM radio show, On-Air with Ryan Seacrest with Timbaland describing it as the kick-off song from the project.[1][23] It was later confirmed actual single release of the song would feature an additional verse from Nelly Furtado.[13] Both versions were made available for download from October 26, 2009[24] but the version featuring SoShy was originally used for the music video[25] with Nelly Furtado's verse added in later. It reached #61 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #6 on the UK Singles Chart.
  • "Say Something" featuring Canadian rapper Drake was released to US iTunes on November 3, 2009.[26] It was officially sent to U.S. Urban radio on January 12, 2010.[27] It is the album's second single and has reached number 23 on the Hot 100, making it the second most successful single on the album.
  • "Carry Out" featuring Justin Timberlake is the third single from the album but was initially only released in the U.S. It was sent to US radio on December 1, 2009.[28] It is the most successful single on the album, peaking at number 11 on the Billboard Hot 100. The music video premiered on February 18, 2010.[29] It was released as the third UK single on April 26, 2010.[30]
  • "If We Ever Meet Again" featuring Katy Perry is the album's fourth single. The music video premiered on January 18, 2010. In the UK, it was released February 15, 2010 and reached number one in New Zealand and number three in the UK and Ireland. The song has reached number 37 on the Billboard Hot 100. [citation needed]
Other charted songs
  • "Undertow" featuring The Fray and Esthero charted on the Billboard Hot 100 at #100, the week ending November 28, 2009.[31]
  • "We Belong to the Music" (with Miley Cyrus)[32] and "If We Ever Meet Again" (with Katy Perry)[33] were both released to the US iTunes store as promotional singles prior to the album's release on December 1, 2009. "If We Ever Meet Again" later debuted at 98 on the Billboard Hot 100 on the week ending December 19, 2009.

Critical reception

[edit]
Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
AllmusicStarStar[34]
Billboard(mixed)[35]
Entertainment Weekly(B-)[36]
Los Angeles TimesStarStar[37]
New York Times(unfavorable)[38]
NME(5/10)[39]
The Observer(unfavorable)[40]
Rolling StoneStarStarHalf star[41]
Slant MagazineStarHalf star[42]
USA TodayStarStarStarHalf star[43]

The album received mixed reviews. Review normalizer Metacritic gave the album 50 out of 100 based on 9 critical reviews.[36] Andy Kellman of AllMusic said "Timbaland does not stock Shock Value II with quite as many guests, and performs a higher percentage of the vocals, and what results is less schizophrenic and more directly pop than its antecedent. The highs here are not as high, and the lows are as low, unless you consider the very presence of Chad Kroeger and Daughtry, or the unveiling of Brandy’s rapping alter ego Bran’ Nu, to be more odious than a sub-Coldplay ballad. [...] That said, it is a mildly entertaining album—as long as you block out most of the lyrics."[34]

David Balls of Digital Spy agreed saying that "Timbaland dips into his usual bag of production tricks here and many of the supporting cast dutifully return, but never does this quite reach the same excitement levels as its predecessor. [...] it feels as though Tim's trying so hard to impress us with his pimped-up SUV that he's driven the thing off the road. The result? A disparate, disjointed collection of songs that feels like less than the sum of its parts. Where Shock Value was fresh and innovative, much of the sequel could pass for leftovers from its predecessor. [...] He now seems to be lagging behind rivals like David Guetta and will.iam when it comes to driving the urban pop genre forward"[44]

Jon Pareles from The New York Times added "The productions flaunt Timbaland trademarks: vocal sounds imitating turntable scratching, quick keyboard arabesques, grunts as percussion. But now he fills in the spaces that made his old tracks so startling. [...] For a few moments Timbaland ignores the Top 10 and accepts that he’s an adult."[38]

Slant magazine's Jesse Cataldo who said "Shock Value II is a vanity project, the kind of bonus fluff that you can get away with releasing when you're as famous and respected as Timbaland. [...] To be fair, Timbaland is not a terrible rapper. His clumsy flow is no worse than Diddy's jittery streams of twaddle, but it's just as annoying. The tendency here, whether intentional or not, is to surround himself with mediocre talent rather than the titans who he helped make superstars [...] The overall laziness of that facet is even more inexcusable coming from one of the most renowned producers of the last decade.".[42]

The most positive review comes from USA Today, Steve Jones says "He misses occasionally on this 17-track opus, but he's mainly on target with his jolts to the eardrums."[43]

However, August Brown of the Los Angeles Times was slightly less critical, stating that, "many of the same vices that plagued the first installment of Shock Value keep the second edition sodden as well: Tim's precise, micromanaged beats usually outshine his random collection of vocal collaborators." Brown said that the album was not a complete disaster but "for Timbaland fans pining for previous hits like Aaliyah's "Are You That Somebody?" or Furtado's "Say It Right," Shock Value II is a weak cocktail."[37]

The editor from Entertainment Weekly said on the December 11 issue (page 115), "So far, so predictable—at least until "Tomorrow In The Bottle," which features Chad Kroeger of Nickelback. That guy's got a funky bone? Talk about a shocker. (67 out of 100)"[36]

Steve Juon from Rapreviews.com said "There are only a few producers out there in rap who can get away with putting their name on an album and be a bigger star than anyone rapping on their tracks. There are even fewer who can crossover from hardcore hip-hop heads to become a mainstream household name. [...] it's not a pure "Timbaland Presents" situation like it has been in the past, where one felt Timbaland was simply showcasing artists he felt deserved the shine over his own high quality sound. The sound's still high quality on "Shock Value II," it's just not 100% his own any more."[45]

Commercial performance

[edit]

The album did not chart as highly as the previous Shock Value album, which had debuted at number five in the US in 2007, with 138,000 copies sold in its first week. Instead, Shock Value II debuted on the U.S. Billboard 200 at an underwhelming number 36, with 37,834 copies in its first week. It fared better on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, entering at number seven. Similarly, in the United Kingdom, as well as in Ireland, the album only managed to chart at number 25 in its first week. These positions failed to match those of Shock Value I (2007) which reached number two and number one in the UK and Ireland respectively.

Track listing

[edit]
Shock Value II track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Intro" (by DJ Felli Fel) Timbaland0:48
2."Carry Out" (featuring Justin Timberlake)
  • Timbaland
  • Harmon
  • Beanz[a]
3:52
3."Lose Control" (featuring JoJo)
  • Timbaland
  • Harmon[b]
4:28
4."Meet in tha Middle" (featuring Bran' Nu)
4:00
5."Say Something" (featuring Drake)
  • Timbaland
  • Harmon[b]
4:00
6."Tomorrow in the Bottle" (featuring Chad Kroeger and Sebastian)
5:28
7."We Belong to the Music" (featuring Miley Cyrus)
4:28
8."Morning After Dark" (featuring Nelly Furtado and SoShy)
3:51
9."If We Ever Meet Again" (featuring Katy Perry)
  • Beanz
  • Timbaland
  • Beanz[a]
4:52
10."Can You Feel It" (featuring Esthero and Sebastian)
  • T. Mosley
  • Harmon
  • Clayton
  • Beanz
  • G. Mosley
  • Timbaland
  • Harmon
  • Beanz[a]
4:44
11."Ease Off the Liquor" (featuring Melody Thornton)
  • T. Mosley
  • Harmon
  • Maultsby
  • Beanz
  • Clayton
  • Timbaland
  • Harmon
  • Beanz[a]
5:58
12."Undertow" (featuring The Fray and Esthero)
  • The Fray
  • Timbaland
  • Harmon[c]
  • Beanz[a]
4:22
13."Timothy Where You Been" (featuring Jet)
  • Timbaland
  • Harmon
  • Beanz[a]
4:47
14."Long Way Down" (featuring Daughtry)
  • Timbaland
  • Harmon
4:23
15."Marchin On" (Timbo Version; featuring OneRepublic)
  • Tedder
  • Timbaland
4:12
16."The One I Love" (featuring Keri Hilson and D.O.E.)
  • T. Mosley
  • Hilson
  • Harmon
  • Maultsby
  • Briscoe
  • Dennis Matkosky
  • Micheal Sembello
  • Timbaland
  • Harmon
4:34
17."Symphony" (featuring Attitude, Bran' Nu and D.O.E.)
  • T. Mosley
  • Harmon
  • Clayton
  • Norwood
  • Maultsby
  • Beanz
  • Keithin Pittman
  • Timbaland
  • Harmon
4:21
French track[46]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
18."Morning After Dark" (French Version; featuring SoShy)
  • T. Mosley
  • Harmon
  • Epstein
  • Bell
  • Hilson
  • Furtado
  • Beanz
  • Maultsby
  • Guenael Geay
4:01
Japan bonus track[47]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
18."Morning After Dark" (B-Boy Fix Remix; featuring Nelly Furtado and SoShy)
  • T. Mosley
  • Harmon
  • Epstein
  • Bell
  • Hilson
  • Furtado
  • Beanz
  • Maultsby
Chew Fu 20164:06
UK bonus track[46]
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
18."Morning After Dark" (Freeman Remix; featuring Nelly Furtado, Rey Vy and SoShy)
  • T. Mosley
  • Harmon
  • Epstein
  • Bell
  • Hilson
  • Furtado
  • Beanz
  • Maultsby
Freeman4:10

Notes

  • ^[a] denotes vocal producer(s)
  • ^[b] denotes co-producer(s)
  • ^[c] denotes additional producer(s)

Sample credits

  • On Track 6, "Tomorrow In the Bottle", is a remake of "Bottom of the Bottle" by Sebastian, interpolating and sampling the first verse.[48]
  • On Track 13 "Timothy Where You Been" interpolates and samples Jet's 2003 song "Timothy" from their debut album Get Born.[48]
  • On Track 15 "Marchin On (Timbo Version)" remix, original song featured on OneRepublic's second studio album, Waking Up.[48]
  • On Track 17 "Symphony" interpolations from "The Symphony" by Masta Ace, Craig G, Kool G Rap and Big Daddy Kane.[48]

U.S. edition

[edit]

Disc One

  1. "Intro" (by DJ Felli Fel) – 0:48
  2. "Carry Out" (featuring Justin Timberlake) – 3:52
  3. "Lose Control" (featuring JoJo) – 4:28
  4. "Meet In tha Middle" (featuring Bran' Nu) – 4:00
  5. "Say Something" (featuring Drake) – 4:00
  6. "Tomorrow In the Bottle" (featuring Chad Kroeger & Sebastian) – 5:28
  7. "We Belong to the Music" (featuring Miley Cyrus) – 4:28
  8. "Morning After Dark" (featuring Nelly Furtado & SoShy) – 3:51
  9. "If We Ever Meet Again" (with Katy Perry) – 4:52
  10. "Can You Feel It" (featuring Esthero & Sebastian) – 4:44
  11. "Ease Off the Liquor" – 5:58
  12. "Undertow" (featuring The Fray & Esthero) – 4:22
  13. "Timothy Where You Been" (featuring Jet) – 4:47

Disc Two (Deluxe edition)

  1. "Long Way Down" (featuring Daughtry) – 4:23
  2. "Marchin On (Timbo Version)" (featuring OneRepublic) – 4:12
  3. "The One I Love" (featuring Keri Hilson & D.O.E.) – 4:34
  4. "Symphony" (featuring Attitude, Bran'Nu & D.O.E.) – 4:21

Personnel

[edit]

Credits are source and adapted from Discogs.[49]

Management

Technical

Background vocals

Guest appearances

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Canada (Music Canada)[73] Platinum 80,000‡
Germany (BVMI)[74] Gold 100,000^
Poland (ZPAV)[75] Gold 10,000*
Switzerland (IFPI Switzerland)[76] Gold 15,000^
United Kingdom (BPI)[77] Gold 100,000^

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
^ Shipments figures based on certification alone.
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format Label Catalogue
Germany[78] December 4, 2009 International CD / Download Universal Music 602527273969
Australia[79] 060252727396
Ireland 2727396
United Kingdom[80] December 7, 2009 Polydor
Hungary[81] International edition Universal Music 00602527273969
Canada[82] December 8, 2009 Standard edition B001364502
Deluxe edition (2 disc)[83] B001364572
United States Standard edition[84] Blackground, Mosley Music, Interscope 602527237732
Deluxe edition (2 disc)[85] 602527237749
Vinyl LP[86] 602527237831
Denmark[87] December 9, 2009 International CD / Download Universal Music 060252727396
Finland[88]
Sweden[89]
Brazil[90] December 15, 2009 602527273969
Japan[91] December 16, 2009 UICS1201

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Shock Value II

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Shock Value II is the third studio by American record producer, rapper, and singer , released on December 8, 2009, through and . It serves as the sequel to his 2007 album Shock Value, continuing his approach of blending hip-hop, R&B, pop, and electronic elements with high-profile collaborations. The album features guest appearances from a diverse array of artists, including on "Carry Out", Drake on "Say Something", on "If We Ever Meet Again", on "We Belong to the Music", and and on the "". Produced primarily by alongside longtime collaborators like and Attitude, Shock Value II explores themes of , fame, and excess across 13 tracks, with a runtime of approximately 55 minutes. Upon release, Shock Value II debuted at number 36 on the US chart and number 7 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, marking a decline in commercial success compared to its predecessor. The album received mixed reviews from critics, who praised Timbaland's innovative production but criticized some tracks for being overly experimental or inconsistent. Notable singles included "", which peaked at number 61 on the , and "Carry Out", which reached number 11.

Background

Development

Timbaland first announced plans for Shock Value II, envisioned as a sequel to his successful 2007 album Shock Value, during a performance at 102.7 KIIS FM’s Homecoming Concert in Anaheim, California, in October 2007. The project stemmed from the original album's innovative blend of pop and hip-hop, which had garnered widespread acclaim and commercial success, prompting Timbaland to pursue a follow-up that would build on this foundation while evolving his sound. At the announcement, mentioned having already recorded tracks with artists including and , though these collaborations did not appear on the final album. Central to the conceptualization was 's desire to elevate the genre fusion established in by integrating more electronic elements and international influences to create a broader sonic palette. Initial recording sessions commenced in July 2008, marking the transition from planning to active production, though the overall timeline extended into 2009 amid label negotiations and creative refinements, as detailed in the recording process section. During this pre-production period, worked with and —his distributor—to align artistic goals with commercial expectations for a global release.

Recording process

The recording sessions for Shock Value II took place primarily in and , with the project initially planned for a 2008 release before being delayed to December 2009 due to ongoing production refinements. Sessions were conducted at multiple studios in the United States, including Criteria in , ; No Excuses Studios in ; Sunset Sound Studios in Hollywood, ; and Chalice Recording Studios in , . Timbaland led the production, collaborating closely with co-producer Jerome "J-Roc" Harmon, who contributed to tracks such as "Carry Out" and "Say Something," and , who served as vocal producer and provided additional vocals on several songs including "Lose Control" and "Meet in tha Middle." The process emphasized 's collaborative style, involving coordination with a broad roster of featured artists across genres, which extended the timeline as recordings were refined to blend electronic elements with live instrumentation where applicable.

Music and content

Musical style

Shock Value II predominantly blends electro-hip-hop, , and R&B elements, characterized by heavy use of and futuristic beats that create a polished, electronic . The album's production emphasizes synthetic textures over organic instrumentation, marking a shift toward more streamlined pop accessibility while retaining urban influences. This fusion results in tracks that pulse with digital energy, often layering vocal effects to enhance the rhythmic drive. Timbaland's signature production techniques are evident throughout, including stuttering rhythms that fragment beats into syncopated patterns, layered synths that build atmospheric depth, and unconventional sampling drawn from diverse sources such as video games and influences. These elements contribute to a distinctive sonic palette, where percussive stutters mimic glitchy and synth overlays evoke a cybernetic . The use of militaristic rhythms and icy-cold beats further amplifies the album's mechanical vibe, prioritizing innovation in over traditional song structures. Specific tracks highlight these innovations, such as "," which incorporates industrial influences through harsh, metallic synths and pounding percussion for a dystopian edge. In contrast, "Marchin On" features with uplifting pop-rock elements enhanced by skittering hi-hats and echoing samples, adding rhythmic propulsion through electronic traditions. These variations showcase Timbaland's ability to weave genre-specific textures into his core style. The album achieves cohesion through its electronic experimentation, which contrasts the more organic, sample-heavy approach of the original by leaning into synthesized futurism and Auto-Tune-drenched vocals for a unified, forward-looking aesthetic. This evolution maintains Timbaland's experimental ethos but adapts it to a broader pop framework, ensuring a consistent thread of digital innovation across the record.

Collaborations and themes

Shock Value II delves into themes of love and relationships, often framed through futuristic pop-R&B lenses that emphasize club-ready energy and personal introspection. Tracks like "Carry Out" featuring portray playful, party-anthem dynamics centered on romantic pursuit and indulgence, while "If We Ever Meet Again" with explores longing and missed connections in a synth-driven, forward-looking . The album's tone shifts toward more introspective moments compared to its predecessor, with taking greater vocal prominence to reflect on his career trajectory and collaborations, as heard on tracks like "Timothy Where You Been." The record boasts numerous featured artists, blending returning partners with fresh voices to infuse diverse influences into its narrative. Key collaborations include on "Carry Out," delivering melodic hooks that amplify the album's upbeat relational themes, and on "Morning After Dark" alongside , whose verses add an international, cosmopolitan flair to tales of nocturnal escapades. appears on "The One I Love" with D.O.E., where lyrics address self-assertion in love, mixing abstract with boastful rap elements to underscore resilience and emotional depth. Other notable pairings feature on "We Belong to the Music," contributing celebratory vibes that highlight unity in creativity, on "Lose Control" for R&B introspection, and of on "Tomorrow in a Dream," adding rock edges to themes of aspiration. These guest appearances shape the album's artistic direction by broadening its scope beyond hip-hop roots into mainstream pop territory, with international elements from artists like enhancing the futuristic, global-party ethos. For instance, the eclectic mix on "Morning After Dark" juxtaposes Furtado's ethereal vocals with SoShy's urban edge, creating a of connection that mirrors Timbaland's vision of boundary-pushing soundscapes. Similarly, Hilson's presence fosters a thread of female empowerment across tracks, evolving the album's relational motifs into more reflective, multifaceted stories rather than mere anthems. Overall, the collaborations prioritize melodic accessibility and thematic variety, resulting in a less chaotic but consistently pop-oriented sequel.

Release and promotion

Marketing strategies

The marketing campaign for Shock Value II began in the summer of 2009 with initial announcements of the album's development and tracklist previews shared via social media platforms. In September 2009, Timbaland revealed the planned release date for November 23 in Europe and November 24 in North America through Interscope Records' official channels. This was followed by the debut of the lead single "Morning After Dark" on October 26, which included a thematic music video directed by Paul Coy Allen, helping to build anticipation ahead of the full rollout. However, due to scheduling adjustments, the album's release was postponed to December 8, 2009, a decision communicated publicly to allow for enhanced promotional alignment. Interscope Records emphasized digital campaigns to engage fans, including YouTube teasers for singles like "Say Something" featuring Drake, released in late November 2009 to showcase album snippets and generate online buzz. Timbaland's activity during this period further amplified the buildup, with posts sharing exclusive song titles and updates as early as October 2009, marking an early adoption of for direct artist-fan interaction in the hip-hop and pop spheres. These efforts were complemented by in-store promotions, such as Timbaland's appearance at J&R Music & in New York on December 8, 2009, where he signed copies and interacted with supporters on release day. Key partnerships extended the campaign's reach through brand tie-ins, notably with Verizon Wireless and BlackBerry, who sponsored the official album release party on December 5, 2009, at the Fontainebleau in Miami. The event featured performances by Timbaland alongside collaborators like Brandy and JoJo, while highlighting BlackBerry devices such as the Storm2 and Curve 8530 integrated with V CAST Music for streaming previews, blending music promotion with mobile technology exposure. Additionally, the track "Say Something" was licensed for inclusion in the video game DJ Hero 2, providing a cross-media promotional avenue to gaming audiences upon the game's October 2010 launch. To broaden appeal beyond , the campaign incorporated a global focus with the release of an International Deluxe Edition, which added exclusive tracks like "Timothy Where You Been" featuring Jet to cater to diverse markets and encourage international pre-orders. This edition, distributed through Interscope's worldwide network, underscored a strategic shift toward multilingual and region-specific outreach, aligning with Timbaland's history of cross-genre collaborations to attract a broader, non-U.S.-centric listener base.

Singles

The lead single from Shock Value II, "Morning After Dark" featuring and , was released digitally on October 27, 2009, serving as an introduction to the album's eclectic sound with its pulsating electronic beats and atmospheric production. The track debuted at number 76 on the , peaked at number 61, and spent 12 weeks on the chart, while reaching number 5 on the US chart, highlighting its appeal in dance-oriented markets. The accompanying , directed by Paul Coy Allen, depicts a dystopian, nocturnal world where Timbaland presides over a high-energy club scene infused with elements like shadowy figures and intense lighting effects, emphasizing themes of and seduction. Follow-up singles included "Say Something" featuring Drake, released on November 3, 2009, which built on the album's hip-hop influences with introspective lyrics over 's signature stuttering rhythms. It achieved greater commercial success, peaking at number 23 on the (15 weeks) and number 1 on the chart. The video, also directed by Paul Coy Allen, features and Drake in a minimalist, dreamlike setting with rapid cuts and visual distortions to mirror the song's emotional tension. "Carry Out" featuring followed as a promotional single on December 1, 2009, blending playful R&B with food metaphors to create a lighthearted club anthem that peaked at number 11 on the . "If We Ever Meet Again" featuring Katy Perry was released as the fourth single on February 16, 2010. The track peaked at number 42 on the Billboard Hot 100 and reached number 8 on the UK Singles Chart. Promotional efforts extended to tracks like "Tomorrow in a Bottle" featuring Chad Kroeger and Sebastian, which received radio airplay in late 2009 to generate buzz ahead of the album's December release, showcasing Timbaland's rock-leaning collaborations. Another promo single, "We Belong to the Music" featuring Miley Cyrus, was made available digitally in November 2009, aiming to attract younger audiences through its upbeat pop structure and Cyrus's vocal contributions, though it did not chart prominently. These singles' strategies focused on digital platforms and targeted radio play to align with the album's broader marketing push for crossover appeal.

Reception

Critical response

Upon its release, Shock Value II received mixed reviews from critics, who praised aspects of Timbaland's production while critiquing the album's reliance on guest artists and perceived lack of innovation compared to its predecessor. The album holds a Metacritic score of 50 out of 100, based on nine reviews, reflecting this divided reception. Positive commentary often highlighted the energetic beats and successful collaborations, such as RapReviews, which awarded it 7.5 out of 10 and commended the return of familiar voices like Justin Timberlake on "Carry Out," noting how these partnerships maintained Timbaland's collaborative strength despite uneven execution. Entertainment Weekly similarly pointed to unexpected pairings, like "Tomorrow in a Bottle" with Nickelback's Chad Kroeger, as a surprising highlight amid the album's predictability, giving it a C+ grade. Critics frequently faulted the project for over-dependence on high-profile guests and a formulaic sound that lacked the bold experimentation of . The Guardian described it as a "defiantly unshocking, star-saturated drag" with "nothing new to add to the familiar, futurist R&B formula," emphasizing collaborations like those with and as cynically saccharine rather than fresh. , scoring it 2.5 out of 5, criticized Timbaland's prominent "clunky croon" as overshadowing his production wizardry, resulting in a less cohesive effort than the original's genre-blending risks. went further, rating it 1.5 out of 5 and labeling it a "vanity project" where random vocalists failed to unify the tracks, underscoring a creative decline. Overall, reviewers agreed the album delivered polished pop-R&B but fell short of recapturing the first installment's groundbreaking energy.

Commercial performance

Shock Value II experienced modest commercial success upon its release, debuting at number 36 on the chart in December 2009, a notable decline from the number 5 peak achieved by its predecessor, , two years earlier. This positioning reflected the album's first-week performance amid a challenging market environment for physical releases. The album's sales were impacted by the ongoing economic , which contributed to a 12.7% drop in overall album sales to 373.9 million units for the year, as consumers shifted toward digital singles and reduced spending on full-length purchases. Promotional singles such as "" (featuring and ) and "Carry Out" (featuring ) garnered significant radio airplay, helping to sustain interest and drive some digital downloads, though they did not replicate the blockbuster chart runs of tracks from the original . Internationally, the album performed better in select markets, peaking at number 16 on the Canadian Albums Chart and number 25 on the , contributing to total sales exceeding 300,000 units across , , , , and the by the end of 2010. In the post-2010 era, streaming platforms provided a modest resurgence, with the album accumulating millions of plays on services like , though its core commercial footprint remained rooted in the late 2000s physical and digital sales era.

Track listing and editions

Standard edition

The standard edition of Shock Value II was released in the United States on December 8, 2009, through , , and in a conventional jewel case format. This primary US version contains 13 tracks, emphasizing Timbaland's eclectic production style through a curated sequence of high-energy collaborations and genre-blending compositions, without the additional bonus material included in deluxe or select international variants. The track listing is as follows:
No.TitleFeatured artist(s)Length
1"Intro"0:49
2"Carry Out"3:52
3"Lose Control", Earl Hayes4:28
4"Meet in tha Middle"Bran' Nu4:01
5"Say Something"Drake4:01
6"Tomorrow in a Bottle", Sebastian5:28
7"We Belong to the Music"4:27
8"Morning After Dark", 3:52
9"If We Ever Meet Again"4:53
10"Can You Feel It", Sebastian4:44
11"Ease Off the Liquor"None5:58
12"Undertow", 4:22
13"Timothy Where You Been"Jet4:50
This US-specific sequencing prioritizes a tight, radio-friendly arc distinct from expanded international pressings.

International and deluxe editions

The international editions of Shock Value II were released ahead of the US standard edition, with the European physical version launching on December 4, 2009. These variants adapted the album for non-US markets by incorporating expanded track listings and regional bonuses, often aligning with the deluxe format to appeal to diverse audiences. The Japanese version similarly featured bonus content, including a remix of "" tailored for local listeners, resulting in an 18-track configuration in some pressings. In , the deluxe limited edition expanded to a 2-CD set with 25 tracks, highlighting a French-language adaptation of "" featuring alongside additional remixes and collaborations for enhanced . European releases, including the French variant, occasionally utilized alternate artwork, such as enhanced packaging with unique cover designs to differentiate from the version. The deluxe edition, primarily distributed digitally via as an exclusive, comprised 17 tracks with four bonus songs—"The One I Love" featuring and D.O.E., "" featuring Attitude, Bran' Nu, and D.O.E., "Long Way Down" featuring Daughtry, and "Marchin On (Timbo Version)" featuring —accompanied by extended digital detailing production insights. The Australian edition mirrored this deluxe structure with 17 tracks, incorporating elements in select physical copies to boost regional appeal, though total counts did not exceed the international deluxe standard. These adaptations emphasized Timbaland's global production approach while building on the 's core tracks.

Credits

Production personnel

Timbaland served as the primary producer for Shock Value II, overseeing the majority of the album's tracks and shaping its eclectic sound through his production style. Co-producers Danja (also known as Floyd Flo) and Jerome "" Harmon contributed significantly, with Danja handling co-production duties on tracks like "Carry Out," while J-Roc collaborated on several others, including "," "Say Something," "Lose Control," and "Symphony." Other producers included on "Meet in tha Middle," on "If We Ever Meet Again," on "Undertow," and on "Marchin On." The engineering team was anchored by Demacio "Demo" Castellon, who managed recording and mixing for key tracks such as the title opener and "If We Ever Meet Again," ensuring a polished final product. Chris Godbey also played a central role in recording and mixing multiple songs, including "Timothy Where You Been.", while assistants like Matt Bang, Josh Mosser, and Chris Kasych supported the process across various sessions. A&R direction came from a team at and , featuring DJ Mormile, Eric Spence, Manny Smith, , and Rick Frazier, who coordinated artist selections and overall vision. Executive production was handled by and , tying the project closely to the label structure. Recording occurred at studios including Recording Studios in , No Excuses Studios in Santa Monica, and The Hit Factory Criteria in , contributing to the album's diverse sonic palette.

Additional contributors

The album features a diverse array of guest vocalists and performers across its tracks, emphasizing Timbaland's collaborative approach with artists from pop, R&B, rock, and hip-hop genres. Key featured vocalists include:
  • providing the intro spoken-word segment on "Intro".
  • delivering lead vocals on "Carry Out".
  • as the featured singer on "Lose Control", with additional background vocals on "Timothy Where You Been".
  • Bran' Nu contributing vocals on "Meet in tha Middle" and "Symphony".
  • Drake performing the guest verse on "Say Something".
  • of and Sebastian sharing featured vocals on "Tomorrow in the Bottle".
  • as the lead guest on "We Belong to the Music".
  • and providing dual featured vocals on "", with also contributing background vocals on "Ease Off the Liquor".
  • as the featured vocalist on "If We Ever Meet Again".
  • and Sebastian on "Can You Feel It", and with on "Undertow".
  • Daughtry delivering vocals on "".
  • as the featured performers on "Marchin On (Timbo Version)".
  • D.O.E. and on "The One I Love", with D.O.E. also appearing on "Symphony".
  • Attitude joining Bran' Nu and D.O.E. on "Symphony".
Background and additional vocalists enhance several tracks, such as Brandy on "Meet in tha Middle", Candice Nelson on "We Belong to the Music", Amar on "If We Ever Meet Again", and alongside on "Ease Off the Liquor". Instrumental contributors include guitarists Mike Hartnett on "Carry Out" and "Ease Off the Liquor", on "We Belong to the Music", and Dan Rockett of Jet on "Timothy Where You Been", as well as percussionist Daniel Stone on "Ease Off the Liquor". Jet as a band also provides featured elements on "Timothy Where You Been". No choir or special thanks credits are noted in the .

Charts and certifications

Chart positions

Shock Value II debuted at number 36 on the US chart on the issue dated December 26, 2009. It spent a total of 20 weeks on the chart. On the US chart, the album reached a peak of number 7. In year-end tallies, it placed at number 149 on the 2010 200. Internationally, the album entered the at number 25 and remained on the listing for 28 weeks. In , it peaked at number 16 on the Canadian Albums chart, with five weeks tracked by early 2010. On the Australian ARIA Albums Chart, Shock Value II achieved a high of number 35. The following table summarizes the album's peak positions on select weekly charts:
Chart (2009–2010)Peak Position
US Billboard 20036
US Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums (Billboard)7
Canada Top Canadian Albums (Billboard)16
UK Albums (OCC)25
Australia ARIA Albums35

Sales certifications

Shock Value II received several sales certifications worldwide, primarily Gold and Platinum awards based on shipments and sales thresholds in various regions. These certifications reflect the album's commercial performance, with distinctions between shipments (units shipped to retailers) and pure sales (units sold to consumers) reported where available by certifying bodies.
RegionCertifying BodyCertificationUnitsDateNotes
Music CanadaPlatinum80,0002010Based on shipments.
GermanyBVMIGold100,0002010Based on shipments.
PolandZPAVGold10,0002010Based on sales.
IFPI SwitzerlandGold15,0002010Based on shipments.
BPIGold100,0002010Based on sales.
The album attained Platinum status in but not in any other listed market.

References

  1. https://genius.com/albums/Timbaland/Shock-value-ii
  2. https://www.newreleasesnow.com/album/timbaland-shock-value-ii
  3. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/7237-timbaland-shock-value-ii.php
  4. https://music.apple.com/us/album/shock-value-ii/1443162272
  5. https://music.apple.com/us/album/shock-value-ii-deluxe-version/1443188811
  6. https://www.shazam.com/album/1443162272/shock-value-ii
  7. https://www.discogs.com/master/208265-Timbaland-Shock-Value-II
  8. https://musicchartsarchive.com/albums/timbaland/shock-value-ii
  9. https://pophits.org/songs/timbaland-featuring-justin-timberlake-carry-out
  10. https://www.rap-up.com/2007/10/28/timbaland-working-on-shock-value-ii/
  11. https://www.audacy.com/v103/articles/feature-article/happy-birthday-timbaland
  12. https://jeromeharmon.com/portfolio/timbaland-shock-value-ii/
  13. https://www.discogs.com/release/6290055-Timbaland-Shock-Value-Shock-Value-II
  14. https://www.discogs.com/release/20150032-Timbaland-Shock-Value-II
  15. https://musicbrainz.org/release/8bd48547-d5ee-44c6-91af-ec572e075175
  16. https://www.discogs.com/release/10926282-Timbaland-Shock-Value-II
  17. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/timbaland-shock-value-ii-1069857/
  18. https://www.allmusic.com/album/shock-value-ii-mw0001384083
  19. https://www.digitalspy.com/music/album-reviews/a191971/timbaland-shock-value-ii/
  20. https://www.slantmagazine.com/music/timbaland-shock-value-ii/
  21. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2009/dec/06/timbaland-shock-value-2
  22. https://www.allmusic.com/album/release/shock-value-ii-mr0002941668
  23. https://www.bbc.co.uk/music/reviews/rmq4/
  24. https://twitter.com/TurnUpThePop/status/4589339533
  25. https://www.rap-up.com/2009/10/29/timbalands-shock-value-ii-pushed-back
  26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7q7KdgJs3Ek
  27. https://www.gettyimages.com/detail/news-photo/rapper-timbaland-promotes-shock-value-ii-at-j-r-music-news-photo/94158091
  28. https://hauteliving.com/2009/12/timbalands-shock-value-release-party/13793/
  29. https://vgost.fandom.com/wiki/Timbaland
  30. https://open.spotify.com/album/5SBgnF3UEmSMaPjJ7ww5yO
  31. https://www.billboard.com/artist/timbaland/chart-history/hsi/
  32. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt8671738/
  33. https://www.billboard.com/artist/timbaland/chart-history/r-b-hip-hop-songs/
  34. https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/12/08/timbaland-shock-value-ii-review
  35. https://www.ign.com/articles/2009/12/03/timbaland-shock-value-ii-preview
  36. https://www.metacritic.com/music/shock-value-ii/timbaland
  37. https://www.rapreviews.com/2009/12/timbaland-timbaland-presents-shock-value-ii/
  38. https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/entertainment/2010/01/10/us-album-sales-dip-in-2009/91e245c7-3949-495d-a791-d9dad520a34c/
  39. https://bestsellingalbums.org/album/48231
  40. https://www.discogs.com/release/2880445-Timbaland-Shock-Value-II
  41. https://www.discogs.com/release/2231421-Timbaland-Shock-Value-II
  42. https://www.discogs.com/release/2068350-Timbaland-Shock-Value-II
  43. https://www.discogs.com/release/2041826-Timbaland-Shock-Value-II
  44. https://www.discogs.com/release/2043278-Timbaland-Shock-Value-II
  45. https://www.allmusic.com/album/shock-value-ii-mw0001384083/credits
  46. https://bestsellingalbums.org/year-end/Billboard_Top_Albums_2010
  47. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/2210/timbaland/
  48. https://www.billboard.com/charts/canadian-albums/2010-02-06
Add your contribution
Related Hubs
User Avatar
No comments yet.