Robin Thicke says new album, first in six years, is like 'sunshine coming out after the rain'
Making fresh music hasn't been Robin Thicke's top priority over the past several years.
Life kind of got in the way. His 2014 split from then-wife Paula Patton led to a contentious divorce. He and Pharrell Williams lost a copyright infringement lawsuit that awarded $5.3 million to the family of Marvin Gaye, who said "Blurred Lines" illegally copied from the late soul singer's "Got to Give it Up." In 2016, his father, beloved "Growing Pains" star Alan Thicke, died of a ruptured aorta at age 69.
For all the trials, there have been triumphs, too. He's since recoupled and, in December, welcomed his third child with fiancée April Love Geary. He's also been a regular on Fox's hit series "The Masked Singer."
"On Earth, and in Heaven," released Feb. 12, , is Thicke's first studio album since 2014's "Paula," named after Patton. He describes the new release as being like "the sunshine coming out after the rain" – something we all could use right about now as the coronavirus pandemic enters a second calendar year.
"It took a long time to get here," he tells USA TODAY. "My priorities have changed a bit.
"This album is a lot about working through your individual problems and turning them into something beautiful. These songs got me through some really tough times. This music is really like a big, warm blanket and a hug."
It's a peppy, 11-track album meant to uplift, with Thicke's silky smooth voice front and center. For an example of the ooey-gooey positivity, look no further than "Forever Mine": "Forever mine // Made for each other, feels like no other // Once in a lifetime, ooh // Can't let a love like this pass you by // Tell me your stories and I will tell you mine // I don't mind living in paradise."
Another track, "That's What Love Can Do," was the first the singer wrote after his father died: "Turn a boy into a good man // Make a queen feel like a princess // One kiss at the perfect moment // Bruises start to heal // That's what love can do."
"It was about me having to fill the shoes of my beloved father, my incredible father and passing that inspiration along to my son," Thicke says.
As he did on "Blurred Lines," Thicke teamed up with Pharrell Williams, for a portion of "On Earth, and in Heaven."
"He's one of my favorite songwriters and producers and humans," Thicke said. "He's been there for years. After my first album came out ("A Beautiful World"), he kind of took me under his wing."
In the liner notes for their track recorded together, "Take Me Higher," Thicke jokes: "Pharrell and I started this record eight years ago ... better late than never."
"Take Me Higher" features a toe-tapping beat and catchy lyrics, such as "I'm coming, baby, I hear your tone // I'm running red lights, I'm rushing home // I got it, baby, you feel alone // Your body's cold and naked // You need me to hold."
"A lot of friends I've sent it to ... they said their kids and their lady were jamming to it," Thicke boasts.
With touring out of the question for now amid COVID-19 lockdowns, Thicke's priority has been spending as much time with his growing family as possible.
"I love performing. I'd love to be on a tour," he said. "But being at home and being a dad, that's where I'm most comfortable. Right now, I pretty much run a day care center in my home, so I've had plenty to do. The kids inspire me and bring me joy."
Thicke also has been busy with taping "The Masked Singer." A new season debuts March 10 at 8 p.m. ET. Actress Niecy Nash takes over for usual host Nick Cannon in the premiere, after Cannon tested positive for the coronavirus.
"It's great to be able to come and be able to call this a job," he said. "I actually get to do my hair and put a suit on and get the sweats off for a change."
Follow Gary Dinges on Twitter @gdinges
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Robin Thicke says new album is 'sunshine coming out after the rain'