“Hello, I’m Robin Thicke. My guilty pleasures have been outweighing my good health.” Yes, that’s the first thing you read when you crack open Robin Thicke’s newest album, “Sex Therapy.” With 17 tracks for your aural pleasure, Robin has definitely outdone himself this time. Dressed to the nines, in a sharp vest, black skinny pants, while sporting a perfectly trimmed goatee, Robin got real personal with ESSENCE.com at NYC’s Bowery Hotel. Actress Paula Patton’s husband candidly discusses everything from baby-making to having babies.
ESSENCE.com: What makes this album stand out from the previous three?
ROBIN THICKE: When I’ve made albums, I’ve always been kind of selfish as an artist like, “I wanna do this.” This time I thought about the audience, and making them happy also. I can’t make music I don’t want to hear, but this time I wanted to give everyone a little something. Older cats tend to like “2 Luv Birds,” the sexy girls love “Sexy Therapy,” the girls who like to boogie like “Shaking it for Daddy.”
ESSENCE.com: Your beats and production are so strong, how much do you actually produce?
THICKE: On the first three albums, I wrote and produced with my production partner. On this album I wanted to try a different process. Production for “Sex Therapy” came from all different places, and it showed me giving over, that I don’t have to be responsible for every word or beat, I can just make great music.
ESSENCE.com: Why title your project “Sex Therapy”?
THICKE: (Laughs) My music has always had a lot of sex in it. With this album the title is just getting right to the point. People always say I make baby-making music, so I might as well offer up some sex therapy.
ESSENCE.com: Which tracks are going to make the most babies?
THICKE: “Mrs. Sexy,” “Sexy Therapy,” and um….
(In unison): “It’s in the Mornin” (laughter).
ESSENCE.com: “It’s in the Mornin,” best song on the album, you worked with both Snoop and Ted Riley?
THICKE: Ted Riley said he had a song for me, when he played it, it was a song him and Snoop started together. I put my thing on it, and luckily it all worked out perfectly.
ESSENCE.com: Do you prefer sex in the morning?
THICKE: I definitely don’t want to be touched in the morning, I want to touch her…but my breath is a mess. I need a half hour before I’m even spoken to.
ESSENCE.com: Do you listen to your own music during sex?
THICKE: I listen to it so much when I make it, I’m the last one to enjoy it once it’s finished.
ESSENCE.com: Is that Paula talking in all your sexy interludes?
THICKE: That remains a secret. We will not confirm or deny (laughs).
ESSENCE.com: You and Paula have confirmed you’re having a baby, how many months along is she?
THICKE: Four months.
ESSENCE.com: Boy or girl? Any names yet?
THICKE: It’s a boy, Jullian.
ESSENCE.com: Ready to balance?
THICKE: You can’t have the amazing joy a child brings without work, like you can’t have a great woman or man unless you put in work.
ESSENCE.com: What is your biggest fear of becoming a father?
THICKE: I’m afraid of not being patient enough, but most of the time that’s when I’m scared or worried about the future. I want to work on that. But my biggest fear is being able to be there, because I don’t know if kids ever think their parents were there enough.
ESSENCE.com: What do you look forward to?
THICKE:Teaching him how to play basketball…
ESSENCE.com: Robin, you got game?
THICKE: Yeah, I got game. Teaching him how to respect a woman. Teaching him music. Getting to play him Biggie Smalls at some age, we’ll experience that together…that’s the beauty of having a child.
ESSENCE.com: Random, but what’s the name of your publishing company?
THICKE: I Like ‘Em Thicke, I started the company when I was 14 years old.
ESSENCE.com: Do you really like your women thick?
THICKE: Absolutely, there really isn’t any other way to go.
ESSENCE.com: Sexually, are you more sensual or aggressive?
THICKE: Depends on the mood. I can be very cuddly or extremely aggressive, I’m a Pisces, so both sides.
ESSENCE.com: Lights on or lights off?
THICKE: If it’s a striptease, lights on. Once I’m taking my shirt off, lights off, straight up.
ESSENCE.com: Lingerie or birthday suit?
THICKE: I prefer lingerie because there’s always time for the birthday suit.
ESSENCE.com: Craziest place you had sex?
THICKE: A public park.
ESSENCE.com: Definition of sexy 10 years ago, versus your definition of sexy now?
THICKE: Ten years ago sexy was clothing, fame, money, and power. Now I realize confidence with humility, appreciation and gratitude for God…and a good haircut–that’s sexy.
ESSENCE.com: Three words to describe what ‘Sex Therapy’ is about?
THICKE: Champagne, strawberries, and love.
Sex Therapy is in available in stores now.
See what we like about the blue-eyed soul singer here.
Check out the Paula Patton and Robin Thicke love story.