Pharrell's New Album GIRL dropped yesterday, March 3, and quickly shot up to No. 1 album on iTunes. The first single "Happy" from the GIRL was released back on November 21, 2013 as part of the soundtrack for the animated film "Despicable Me 2" and has already been No. 1 in the UK and #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. A solid mix of pop and R&B, the album drop follows Pharrell's performance of the Oscar nominated "Happy" at the 86th Academy Awards on Sunday night and returns the artist to his Neptunes roots.
GIRL is Pharrell's second studio solo album and his first album since his 2006 debut In My Mind. The album features an all star list, including Alicia Keys, Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake, and Daft Punk.
Pharrell isn't necessarily the best singer alive, but he has some serious chops in producing and writing earworms (a catchy song that tends to repeat through a person's mind, even after it is no longer playing). The production on this album is top notch, as one would expect from the prolific pop producer. Aside from the cheery "Happy," stand-out tracks include "Brand New" with Justin Timberlake, the fervent "Come Get It Bae" with Miley Cyrus, and the jazzy "Know Who You Are" with Alicia Keys. "Brand New" with Justin Timberlake is a delicious mix of both Pharell and Timberlake's falsettos to the backdrop of a "oohs" and snare drums. The funky "Come Get It Bae" uses a song originally by former Star Trak artist, Rhea, and incorporates Miley Cyrus, who sings the chorus and the "hey" heard throughout. Keys' smooth vocals provide a welcome auditory respite in "Know Who You Are" and round out the soothing song quite well.
Following his immense success with features on both Daft Punk's "Get Lucky" and Robin Thicke's "Blurred Lines," it's possible that the immensely catchy "Happy" could become the next big song of the summer. What do you think of Pharrell's new album?
Tracklist:
01. Marilyn Monroe
02. Brand New (feat. Justin Timberlake)
03. Hunter
04. Gush
05. Happy
06. Come Get It Bae (feat. Miley Cyrus)
07. Gust of Wind (feat. Daft Punk)
08. Lost Queen
09. Know Who You Are (feat. Alicia Keys)
10. It Girl
