Its time again to review the nominees for "Album of the Year" (well, technically this is just the 2nd year I've done this), but anyways. The review process will be much like last year. Each track will be reviewed, followed by either a ✔(great track), an O (just okay/average), or an X(throwaway/poor). Following the review, I'll have the percentages for each rating. The raw score will come with multiplying the ✔percentage by 2, adding the O percentage, and then subtracting the X percentage. Got it? Okay. Here we go.
Pharrell - "Girl"
(All Rights to I Am Other/Colombia Records)
1) Marilyn Monroe
This track starts off with a theatrical string opening, that transitions to a nice beat. This song (and the album itself as we'll see) is about bringing back and paying homage to funk. For this song, Pharrell name-drops some powerful women, while stating that he's not looking for these specific traits. This is a really good intro for "Girl". ( ✔)
2) Brand new (ft/ Justin Timberlake)
"Brand New" has a bit of a Jackson 5-feel to it. The background instrumentals get a bit repetitive, but Timberlake and Pharrell's vocals mesh well. (O)
3) Hunter
The funk beat continues here, however this track never quite finds its groove. In particular, the falsetto-sing talk section feels awkward. Just in general, the lyrics feel rather uninspired. (X)
4) Gush
This song has a Michael Jackson vibe to it, but with intimate lyrics (kind of like Beyonce from her self titled album). The point here is made midway through, and then falls a little flat. (O)
5) Happy (from Despicable Me 2)
This track has a fun groove. The beat is incredibly catchy. There's a nice breakdown midway through. This is the kind of song that's just guaranteed to bring you up and put a smile on your face. ( ✔)
6) Come Get It Bae
Pharrell has nice phrasing here. This track is very lyrical; "You wanna ride it, my motorcycle. You've got a license, but you got the right to. Gonna pop a wheelie, don't try too high too. Take it easy on the clutch, cause girl I like you". ( ✔)
7) Gust of Wind
This has a similar feel to "Come Get It Bae", but with more funk. Pharrell enlists the help of Daft Punk, which makes for a nice change of pace for the album. This is also a lyrical song; "Then it occurred to me while trying to fight it, just like a kite you learn how to ride it. But I didn't know, you're supposed to let it go". ( ✔)
8) Lost Queen
It has a world-feel kind of intro. This has a simple blacking that allows the focus to go to the vocals; "Though my planet's full of warfare, you make it feel like a dream. Man, I hope they never find you, I think you are a lost queen". ( ✔)
9) Know who you Are (ft/ Alicia Keys)
This has a nice slow groove. Alicia Keys is nearly exclusively featured in the back-half, which works (while not being a true duet). A song of empowerment/encouragement, this track really works. ( ✔)
10) It Girl
The groove from the last track carries over. This is a strong closing track for "Girl", featuring an old-school breakdown with a new age sound.
Pharrell's "Girl" is a throwback sounding album, with an old-school funk vibe to it. Overall, the back-half here is stronger than the front (which is a bit odd for an album), but overall this is a fun sounding record.
✔ = 70%
O = 20%
X = 10%
Sam Smith - In The Lonely Hour: 200
Beyonce - Beyonce: 179
Ed Sheeran - X: 151
Pharrell - Girl: 150
Beck - Morning Phase: 138
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