As I’ve grown older, my music tastes have definitely expanded. This could have something to do with the fact that I’m married to an electronic music producer, which forces me out of my indie folk rut almost everyday. It could also have something to do with the process of growing out of my teenage angst (which lasted longer than most, I’ll admit) and starting to enjoy music for the wonderful quality it has to make you feel really, really good. Pharrell’s album, G I R L, is one of my go-to albums when I’m looking for music-related endorphins. While the Blurred Lines controversy had me avoiding the singer for some time, I recently accidentally stumbled upon the 2015 album and I was hooked. Since listening to it (on repeat) I have not managed to find any objectionable content in line with the problematic Blurred Lines (excuse the pun). I’ve also found this album to just be a really good time. As I write, I’m listening to the album on a Monday morning, and it’s motivating me to be super productive with my day.
Since I opened with some personal anecdotes, it seems appropriate to let you know that I am someone who is easily consumed by my own thoughts. What I’ve found about this album, and others like it, is that they’re really good at getting me out of my head, and making life feel a little lighter. I’ve said before that I often judge art by its capacity to draw out feelings in me, and while that often has more of a melancholy lean to it, I think it’s important to recognise the capacity that music has to make you feel really great! I think it’s safe to say that everyone has had the experience where a song has made them feel really confident, whether it be a catchy pop song or a sassy female rapper that brings up those emotions in you. Pharrell’s G I R L is one of those albums for me.
Let’s take a minute to explore why.
I really can’t fault Pharrell’s vocal abilities. My husband informs me that Pharrell got his start as an producer, later featuring as a singer on other artists’ and bands’ tracks. His holistic approach really pays off in the sense that his singing and his musicality are on par with one another. A really satisfying balance of electronic elements, live, varied percussion and unexpected edits makes the album unique.
Let’s be honest, it’s really nice to be crooned at once in a while. The album is basically an ode to the feminine (perhaps negating former claims of Williams’ degradation of women?). And as a lady person, it’s pretty encouraging to start the day with a list of reasons why being a lady is great! More than the content of the album, Pharrell’s lyrical execution is top notch. This is pop like you’ve never heard it before. Lost Queen competes for my favourite track on G I R L. What’s not to love about lyrics like, “Taking care of you is my number one passion”.
On the song, Freq, featuring Jojo, Leah Labelle, Pharrell sings, “I’d rather be a freq, than not be unique. Individuality makes life better.” The sentiment is echoed in his song, Different and this lean towards self-expression is a pretty good summary of the album. It’s a really fun celebration of all things female, festive and lively and it’s a proper treat to listen to. I suspect I’ll be using it to ease me in the day for a number of weeks and months to come.
