PHARRELL
In My Mind
Universal
· First solo album from urban tastemaker.
Considering that Pharrell Williams has been responsible for seemingly every radio hit of the last 5 years, it’s about time he got around to releasing his first solo album. In My Mind is a 50 per cent split between Pharrell the emcee and Pharrell the crooner, but despite his track record, his debut is surprisingly average.
Deciding it was time to elevate himself to Cher/Madonna-esque one-name status, Pharrell’s two personalities duke it out throughout the album. As an emcee, he’s not exactly the most diverse and interesting rapper out there, but his laid-back vocals make it easy to enjoy the early parts of the album. After spitting his way through the album’s first half, though, he turns into Prince (he wishes) and it doesn’t take long for his attempted falsetto to become more than a little annoying. Even calling in favours from the likes of Jay-Z and Kanye West can’t save him and doesn’t make up for a list of lame come-ons and pick up lines.
In My Mind isn’t a total dud, but it lacks a lot of the imagination that has earned him "genius producer" status. Maybe he should start saving some of his best ideas for himself.
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