Pharrell: G I R L Album Review

Reviewed by Marisa C. on Mar 04, 2014

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R&B singer/producer Pharrell Williams just released his latest album G I R L, featuring the hit song Happy from Despicable Me 2 - find out more in the Kidzworld Album Review of G I R L.

G I R L is available in stores and on iTunes now!Courtesy of Sony Music

G I R L

Pharrell didn't give fans a lot of time to hyped about this new album - it was released just two weeks after being announced, and it also dropped following his fantastic live performances at both the Grammys and The 86^th Annual Academy Awards (if your heart didn't melt a little when all the front row stars at the Oscars got up to boogey along along to "Happy," then we don't know what will! Pharrell made waves just guesting on hot singles last year like "Get Lucky" with Daft Punk, and "Blurred Lines," so it was definitely time for a new album - with a little help from his friends (you'll hear guest vocals from Daft Punk, Miley Cyrus, Alicia Keys and more on G I R L.)

Last year Pharrell guested on pop mega hits "Blurred Lines" and "Get Lucky"Courtesy of Sony Music

Known for his impeccable production and sometimes raunchy lyrics, it seems that recently getting married has changed Pharrell's tune just a little - and he calls this newest album an "ode to women." The album opens with "Marilyn Monroe," a song that calls out for a girl with special qualities, even if they're offbeat, rather than just any girl kicking around the club.

Full of lush arrangements that tap into retro soul and funk, it's a gentle but upbeat album overall, much of the album's sound fits right in with the tone of "Happy". "Brand New" (featuring JT) and "I Know Who You Are" both sound like Billboard Chart Toppers material. One of the undeniable standout tracks on the album has to be "Lost Queen," even though the lyrics are simple and it has a stripped-down beat, it truly showcases Pharrell's smooth vocals. We have to say we like Pharrell's new direction, it's optimistic about love without being overly sappy, and it just sounds great.