Pharrell Keeps Fans Happy with G I R L – Album Review
The man who wears many hats as singer, rapper, songwriter, producer, and Oscar nominated sensation Pharrell Williams, is well on his way to establishing the most iconic year of his career. In 2013, his collaborations on Daft Punk’s “Get Lucky” and Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines,” producing the soundtrack to the animated comedy Despicable Me 2, and creating the world’s first 24-hour music video, Pharrell has added a reputable list of accomplishments to his music resume.
Pharrell dropped his sophomore album G I R L on March 3rd shortly after the 86th Academy Awards, where he performed his smash hit, “Happy.” Although he didn’t win the Oscar for Best Original Song, he continues to reign victorious as G I R L climbed to the number one iTunes album in over sixty countries. Eight years after his debut solo album was released, he created this album as a celebration of women, also a great way to jumpstart Women’s History Month.
The 10-track set infuses pop, soul, funk, and hip-hop featuring songs with top artists such as Justin Timberlake, Daft Punk, Miley Cyrus, and Alicia Keys. The first track “Marilyn Monroe” begins with a classical orchestra before moving into a more breezy pop sound. The chorus mentions female figures including Marilyn Monroe, Cleopatra, and Joan of Arc, all of whom don’t measure up to Pharrell’s vision of a “different girl,” who he dreams of making his own.
He then goes into his collaboration of “Brand New” with Justin Timberlake. The two have collaborated on numerous music projects in the past, leading fans to believe this song could be a possible single. The track has a Michael Jackson Off the Wall sound where Pharrell and JT talk about a girl who makes them feel young and free. “You got me feeling brand new, like the tag’s still on me.”
The “Hunter” track gives a ‘70s music sound portraying Pharrell’s animal-like characteristics. It tells a story of how one is attracted, intrigued, and hungry for another person, so much to stay on the prowl and catch who they want. “Just because it’s the middle of night, that don’t mean I won’t hunt you down.”
Many women would agree Pharrell is definitely easy on the eyes, but the next track shows what this eye candy is actually thinking. Probably the most provocative track “Gush,” shows Pharrell’s sexy and intimate thoughts of getting dirty with his girl. He stresses being a good guy, but wants his girl to lose her angelic ways and get a little naughty with him.
His smash hit “Happy,” originally from the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack gives a jovial vibe to the album. The vibrant feel-good song makes listeners want to get out of their seat and dance like no one is watching. “Clap along if you feel like happiness is the truth.”
The next duet “Come Get It Bae” features Miley Cyrus which entices a pleasure-filled anthem. Pharrell loves women and will do anything to fulfill their fantasy. He expresses his confidence by reiterating how he can satisfy a woman. “I can do anything you like, I can do anything you need, and I got a better body than the magazines you read.”
His collaboration with the funky robots Daft Punk on “Gust of Wind” brings a throwback disco sound, similar to what one would hear during the hey-day of Soul Train. It’s a perfect summer song to play at an outdoor kickback or just riding around in your car with the windows down. Pharrell sings about the love of his life who constantly uplifts him and takes his breath away. “When I open the window, I want to hug you cause you remind me of the air.”
“Lost Queen” has more of an island bounce beat where he sings about this supernatural woman who has to be from out of this world. He speaks so highly of this phenomenal woman and wants to serve her like royalty. The end of the song moves into sounds of ocean waves before a hidden song soon plays. The track titled “Freq” features R&B singer JoJo. The sultry voice of JoJo along with Pharrell’s falsetto sound showcases a Motown inspiration.
Soulful singer and pianist Alicia Keys collaborates with Pharrell on “Know Who You Are,” the woman empowerment anthem to uplift the spirits of a woman who is hurting. It pays homage to women who work hard while reminding them to also live life to the fullest. The two empathize on this track to stress how people go through many trials and tribulations, but to inform them they are not alone. “I know who you are and I know what you’re feeling.”
The album completes with the properly titled “It Girl,” another sexy record showing how much Pharrell adores the female form. He successfully created each track to coincide with his G I R L theme while mixing different music eras in the production. This album took a different turn compared to his 2006 solo debut, In My Mind. 2014 is marking the year of Pharrell Williams and he’s not slowing down anytime soon. He will be joining singer Bruno Mars on the Moonshine Jungle World Tour in select cities. Perhaps this will spark Pharrell to headline his own tour, which surely will make his fans very “happy.”
