Too say anticipation for Pharrell Williams‘ upcoming album Girl is high would be a gross understatement. The hitmaking producer-singer-songwriter has been on a tremendous roll over the past year; he was a principal player in two of 2013s biggest hits. He co-produced both Robin Thicke‘s smash “Blurred Lines” and Daft Punk‘s “Get Lucky.” And his own single, the ubiquitous feel-good anthem “Happy,” has been the hit of 2014 thus far.
So with everyone expecting more greatness from one of music’s most consistent talents, Pharrell decided to whet the public’s appetite by streaming a preview of Girl on iTunes Radio.
The album is both experimental and familiar, further proof that perhaps there’s no one in contemporary music that knows how to balance innovation with accessibility than the former Neptune. Skateboard P brought along some of his famous friends, with Justin Timberlake featured on “Brand New,” and Ms. Overexposed a/k/a Miley Cyrus dropping in on “Come Get It, Bae.”
Daft Punk (“Gust of Wind”) and Alicia Keys (“Know Who You Are”) also make appearances. Not afraid to nod-and-wink at his own hitmaking history, Pharrell even revisits Rick James on the lightly raunchy “Gush;” quoting James’ classic “Give It To Me Baby” hook. That’s the same hook that was reimagined on Jay Z‘s 2000 hit “Give It To Me;” one of the Neptunes’ earlier successes.
The album is barely over 46 minutes long. In that respect, it’s a throwback to classics of the LP era. And Pharrell doesn’t waste a single second.
Final tracklist:
1. “Marilyn Monroe”
2. “Brand New” (featuring Justin Timberlake)
3. “Hunter”
4. “Gush”
5. “Happy”
6. “Come Get It Bae” (featuring Miley Cyrus)
7. “Gust of Wind” (featuring Daft Punk)
8. “Lost Queen”
9. “Know Who You Are” (featuring Alicia Keys)
10. “It Girl”
GIRL is available for pre-order now on iTunes.
