Singer/songwriter Thicke (born Robin Thicke) was one of the few to define the new millennium's blue-eyed soul movement. His creamy California skin and sapphire blue eyes were equally charming, but Thicke has merit. He has a soulful disposition similar to Remy Shand, but mix that with the funk of Jamiroquai and you have Thicke's sultry R&B sound. As the son of vocalist Gloria Loring and Growing Pains' Alan Thicke, Thicke grew up in the suburbs of Los Angeles during the '80s and '90s. He credits his dad's musical tastes, for it was him that motivated Thicke to immerse himself in all kinds of pop music. The elder Thicke is popular for writing the theme songs for The Facts of Life and Diff'rent Strokes, so naturally Thicke had his head in music. He was an average student; by 13, he was writing songs. Three years later, he befriended the president of Bad Boy Entertainment, Andre Harrell, and struck a deal with Interscope. Thicke began writing hits for the likes of Christina Aguilera, Mya, Brandy, Marc Anthony, and Jordan Knight. Still, an artist in the making was dying for his own chance. By 2000, Thicke, who was in his mid-20s, made his dream come true. Thicke issued his debut album, Cherry Blue Skies, in fall 2002. It was later retitled Beautiful World and prepped for a massive media push the following spring. Two years later, Pharrell Williams joined Thicke for the recording of Thicke's "Wanna Love You Girl" single. Their collaboration also led Thicke to a contract with Williams' own imprint, Star Trak Records. Plans for Thicke's sophomore album, the tentatively titled The Evolution of Robin Thicke, was slated for an early 2006 release. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide