The Hollywood-based soul singer reveals his deep thoughts about partying, marriage, trying to outdo his dad, and the disadvantages of being white.

Photo: Joshua Wildman Pops [Alan Thicke, from Growing Pains] was going through his prime when I was about 14. I kind of used his fame to my advantage to meet girls... ...But there's pressure to follow my own path in the right way. I'm still going to be his son until I have a big hit. Then he will become my father.

I try to balance out the drinking and smoking and partying by staying relatively healthy with exercise, and I do my vocal lessons when it's time... ...But I'm always about a month behind.

When I write songs for other artists, I have to compromise in order to realize what they're trying to talk about. When it's my music, it's totally uncompromised and it's my fulfillment. That's why I don't write for other people much anymore... ...But I might throw in a little Australian Idol if I got to pay the bills.

I believe if I was black nobody would compare me to Justin Timberlake. I feel like, if he's Michael Jackson, I'm Prince. He's an amazing talent and he's going to be making music for a long time, and so am I... ...But sure, when his song came on the radio, I'd say, "That motherfucker! Where is my song?"

I started pretty early with the ladies, so I had some fun for a few years... ...But being married to actress Paula Patton has made me feel a little bit more grown-up. It wasn't about settling down, it was just about the person. It makes me feel like I am representing a unified legal bond everywhere I go.

Last album, I had so many expectations for myself that when some of those weren't met, I didn't see how many amazing things were happening in my life. I just saw what it wasn't doing... ...But today I'm so appreciative to have this opportunity, to be able to sing, to be working with people like Pharrell.

With that first album, I wanted to be everything for everyone-rock, hip-hop, and soul, with the long hair... ...But with The Evolution of Robin Thicke, it's the first time that I have really bared my naked soul. Before, I was still hiding a little bit, still holding back. As for cutting the hair? I just wanted to look good. I was tired of looking in the mirror and saying, "You look like a fucking mess, buddy."

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