Robin Thicke 'Blurred Lines' 2013 New Album: Director Diane Martel Responds to Controversy, Single Breaks Records, Release Date

Robin Thicke's new 2013 album Blurred Lines is already breaking records and the release date isn't until July 30. Thicke's new single, also titled "Blurred Lines," has got massive radio airplay and according to Hot New Hip Hop, the song has broken the record for the highest radio audience of all time! The "Blurred Lines" single also features Pharrell and T.I., reaching over 242 million listeners this week, topping the previous record of 188 million, according to Hot New Hip Hop. It probably didn't hurt that the song and music video for "Blurred Lines" has been criticized by some amid controversy.

Some have been critical of the "Blurred Lines" music video, which actually has two versions. One version features the female models naked, but there is another safe for work version where the models are wearing clothes. Some in the feminist movement have said the song and video are sexist. According to TNT Magazine, the video's director Diane Martel defended the video, saying it was a tribute to erotic photographer Helmut Newton. "I directed the girls to look into the camera, this is very intentional and they do it most of the time; they are in the power position," Martel told Grantland.

Outside of the controversy, the buzz and hype around Thicke's album resembles Daft Punk's 2013 Random Access Memories album release. It seems as though both albums achieved huge popularity before it even hit store shelves. Which album do you think will end up being the bigger draw in 2013?

Robin Thicke himself responded to the controversy behind "Blurred Lines." You can watch the video of Thicke's response below.