Clones cover

Clones

The Neptunes · 2003

76 min · 21 tracks · rock music

A kaleidoscopic blend of funk, rock, and hip-hop rhythms that showcases The Neptunes' innovative production style.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Frontin’ — This track features smooth vocals from Pharrell Williams and a laid-back groove that exemplifies The Neptunes' signature sound while addressing themes of romantic uncertainty.
  • →
    Light Your Ass on Fire — With its infectious energy and clever lyricism, this track encapsulates the album's party vibe and highlights the duo's knack for creating danceable beats.
  • →
    Rock n’ Roll — This song stands out for its eclectic mix of rock influences and hip-hop flair, showcasing The Neptunes' versatility as producers while featuring notable collaborations.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100
Treeline
Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

The album blends genres with innovative production but has uneven pacing and notable repetition.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a brief intro followed by a high-energy track that sets a fast pace for the first half.
  • The sequencing includes two instances of 'Frontin’' and 'Hot Damn', suggesting an emphasis on these standout tracks.
  • The last few tracks slow down the tempo, creating a noticeable shift in energy as the album progresses.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic journey with peaks
  • late-night party vibes
  • playful irreverence throughout tracks
  • energizing hooks for dancing
  • engaging transitions between moods

Maybe skip if you

  • prefers slow, mellow sounds
  • seeks cohesive, single-focused albums

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in January 2003, Clones marked a significant moment in The Neptunes' career as they transitioned from producing for other artists to releasing their own material. This album followed their commercial peak with hits like 'Hot in Herre' and solidified their status as influential producers by incorporating diverse genres into their sound.
Stylistic neighbors
John Mayer· ZZ Top· Daniel Lanois

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Frontin’

    The bridge shifts perspective to reveal vulnerability about romantic intentions, breaking away from the previous bravado of the verses.

    This moment creates a contrast that deepens emotional engagement, moving from confident declarations to introspective questioning.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Intro 0:26
  • 2 Light Your Ass on Fire 3:39
  • 3 Blaze of Glory 3:51
  • 4 It Wasn’t Us 3:34
  • 5 Frontin’ 3:56
  • 6 Good Girl 4:10
  • 7 If 3:40
  • 8 Hot 3:36
  • 9 It Blows My Mind 4:59
  • 10 Half‐Steering… 3:34
  • 11 Fuck n’ Spend 1:27
  • 12 Loser 3:11
  • 13 Rock n’ Roll 4:19
  • 14 The Don of Dons (Put de Ting Pon Dem) 4:10
  • 15 Hot Damn 4:03
  • 16 Put ’Em Up 3:31
  • 17 Pop Shit 3:34
  • 18 Popular Thug 3:54

Disc 2

  • 1 Frontin’ 4:21
  • 2 Hot Damn 4:16
  • 3 Rock n’ Roll 4:00

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata