Frenchy’s Fracas

General Description
Artist/Band: Pharrell Williams
Album Title: In My Mind
Year: 2006

Finally..
 
How I Got Into This Music
It took quite some time for this guy’s album to come out, but it’s finally here: Pharrel Williams’ In My Mind. For those not in the know: this artist/producer is one half of the famous The Neptunes. I really have enjoyed the work they’ve produced these last five years; I’m sure that one in ten songs that have hit the top of the pop charts in that period has been produced by these guys, and that’s really scary.
Now this album’s been delayed so many times that I almost gave up on ever hearing it, and I was curious to see if the waiting took all the possible enjoyment out of this album.

Album credits at artistdirect.com || Google Search: Other reviews of In My Mind ||

Tracks that got my attention:
Can I Have It Like That ft. Gwen Stefani
Wow!! This track was the first single release and it showed the great potential I’d expect from this artist. Just listen very closely to all the different low-spectrum sounds, the mix of samples and the great hook. Stefani’s being paid for one single line I guess.. Pharrell’s not very strong on the lyrics, tho.

How Does It Feel?
A typical Takes A While To Get Use To track. Just didn’t get used to it, nope.

Raspy Shit
Reminds me of Faith Evans’ “Mesmerized” track. Great chorus, catchy.

Best Friend
One of the two sublime tracks on this album. Granted, his rapping flow ain’t the greatest, but here it’s the lyrics: very open and naked. A real Takes A While To Get Use To track, coz the chorus got on my nerves in the beginning, but now? Man, I’m screaming my lungs inside out!

Keep It Playa ft. Slim Thug
Honorable mention: don’t like the track, but it really takes you back to the first Neptunes success with Mystikal “Shake Your Ass”

That Girl ft. Snoop Dogg
What he does best: the mellow retro soul mixed with a wicked beat and, of course, Snoop Dogg - excellent track!

Take It Off (Dim the Lights)
Great production, excellent smooch ballad. Takes me back to my first slow dance, ah.. The memories, hope the girl finally got some feeling back in her toes, heheh..

Stay With Me (Dim The Lights) ft. Pusha T
Another great modern Soul production

Our Father
Second of the Sublimes. Dunno, but his lyrics seem credible, his performance enhances his words perfectly

Number One ft. Kanye West
Second hit single, still detest Kanye West. Great pop song

Conclusion
The main problem is that of expectations: this guy’s work with The Neptunes is fresh, smart and innovative. And it’s been that way for quite a while, an impressive feat by itself. But still I kinda expected this album to have those same qualities, and.. it didn’t deliver the goods. I can’t expect someone to keep amaze and surprise me with new sounds, beats and production, but still, I kinda do..
Another thing, most tracks weren’t really club songs, but I expect the different mixtapes and remixes to be compensate that shortcoming.
It’s an excellent album even though some tracks were less than okay (the tracks with Jay-Z and Nelly respectively were first class duds). Those expectations were just too high.

Rating: (still gifted..)

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