The best type of music is the kind that incorporates a large variety of influences and delivery styles.

Too often an artist will lay down a blueprint of what direction he or she wants to go, and stick to it without even considering an alternative route.

There are too many detours on N.E.R.D.’s (side project of The Neptunes) album to force it to be a mainstay in one particular category - which is good.

Yes, it is under hip-hop in record stores, but sometimes it forgets that, such as on “Lapdance,” which features Lee Harvey and Vita.

The background almost sounds like it could be an effect found on the latest (and worst) record by No Doubt. Other parts of it, such as the chorus and simple guitar-line, hints at Body Count (Ice-T’s side project).

It also is important to note the group uses live drums, not a drum machine.

“Things Are Getting Better” starts off sounding like an intro to a classic old school hip-hop number, but turns into a mix of Ben Harper and Beck - with a slice of funk.

“Truth Or Dare,” which features Kelis and Pusha T, progressively gets intense, but never reaches the boiling point, while “Baby Doll” is steady R&B at its best, complete with impressive vocals.

The thing is, there are enough different qualities about each song that only mentioning a few sells the album short.

This is strongly recommended for those who want to rock, but also like to rhyme.

Run-D.M.C. once said “It’s tricky to rock a rhyme.” N.E.R.D. proves it wrong, easily mastering that skill.