Pharrell

In My Mind
Interscope Records/Universal

There are so many things that could be said about Pharrell Williams’s debut album, but not one of them is exceptionally exciting.

While his first instalment, In My Mind, brings in several cameo appearances by major chart-topping artists like Gwen Stefani, Snoop Dogg, and Kanye West, nothing can really save Williams from his bland, same-old-same-old sounds.

Sure, he was the driving force behind The Neptunes (N*E*R*D) and his success with the group may have encouraged him to branch out on his own. But all in all, this album needs some bigger, catchier hits like ‘Margaritas’, his collaboration with Sleepy Brown and Big Boi. Unfortunately it is not on this album. That would give him Beyoncé-style stardom.

Although his voice is his trademark (also due to his exposure from N*E*R*D) and he’s popular enough for N*E*R*D fans to recognize his tunes on the radio, some tracks can be classified as “single-worthy” like ‘Angel’ and ‘Baby’. But as a debut, this album is a mediocre launching off point to reach his final goal as a successful solo artist.

Source: SceneandHeard.ca, Volume 6 Issue 5