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Life & Arts

Solo 'Mind' impresses

Pharrell exhibits versatility on first solo album of career

by ELI JABBE
THE DAILY COUGAR

Pharrell Williams is one of music's most recognizable figures. He is one-half of The Neptunes, the super-producers who have created hits for artists including Jay-Z, Justin Timberlake and Gwen Stefani, among many others.

Pharrell has also made two albums with his group N.E.R.D. Those albums were rock-type records with elements of funk and some hip-hop. 

Pharrell is also known for singing on songs, such as hits like Jay-Z's "Excuse Me Miss," and he also raps occasionally. 

In My Mind is Pharrell's, aka "Skateboard P, " solo debut. This is his rapping persona. 

In My Mind is an album that is split halfway: on half of the songs, Pharrell raps, and the other half of the songs, he sings. Pharrell also produced the entire album not receiving any help from Chad Hugo, the other half of The Neptunes, like he has in the past. The result is an interesting and original album.

"Best Friend" is one of the standout songs on In My Mind. Pharrell reveals himself like never before, talking about his childhood and past tribulations. The theme of the song is the importance of talking about your problems instead of holding them in. The chorus explains, "You like acting tough; that's fine / But the weight of the world can really crush one's mind / So let it ... let it."

"You Can Do It Too" is another excellent song, particularly because of the beat, which features light drumming and strings; it sounds like a jazz piece. Pharrell talks about his accomplishments and explains, "I did it, you can do it too."

Much of the second half features songs with guest artists, with Pharrell singing occasionally. 

There are plenty of stars: Houston's Slim Thug, Jay-Z, Kanye West and Clipse, among others. "Number One" features Kanye West, who hilariously brags about the combination of himself and Pharrell, two elite music stars: "it's so unfair ... so unreasonable." The song is an ode to a female where Kanye explains why he likes her: "You be giving me my space, you don't be running on MySpace." 

The best song on the album is "Young Girl," which features legend Jay-Z. Over a nice beat, Pharrell sings about an experience falling in love with a girl: "Momma help, I fell in love with a young girl." Pharrell asks, "What am I supposed to do, now that I'm so in love with you?" Jay-Z impresses as usual, discussing the beautiful girl: "she's so high-strung, such a vibrant thing / I introduced myself: "Hi, Ms. Thing / You're 19? No you're lightning in a bottle / I'll give you a ring tomorrow."

In My Mind is an album worth purchasing, but don't expect rhymes at the level of artists like Jay-Z or even Kanye West. But Pharrell deserves credit for being versatile.Pharrell

In My Mind

Interscope Records

Verdict: A quality effort.
 

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