Pharrell Williams (of Neptunes and N*E*R*D fame) is not a particularly nimble MC, and he reaches for that annoying falsetto rather too often when he takes on vocal duties. This has been well documented, but until now, we have been content in the knowledge that he is happy to donate his better productions to vocalists of greater range and charisma, and MCs of finer nuance.
The last N*E*R*D record, Fly Or Die, was scarcely recognisable as the work of producers who had been responsible for Kelis’ ‘Good Stuff’ or Mystikal’s ‘Shake Ya Ass’. But this too was acceptable, as Pharrell and co. were still delivering deliriously funky, oddball pop tracks for the likes of Slim Thug, Snoop Dogg and Gwen Stefani.
So, hard to know whether to be pleased or disappointed with In My Mind. The execrable Lenny Kravitz-tinged funk-rock I feared has been ditched, to be replaced with the kind of loose-limbed, supple rhythms that Pharrell does best. Tracks like ‘Take It Off (Dim The Lights)’ and ‘Stay With Me’, for instance, might have become rather treacly ballads, but are redeemed by some thrillingly random rhythmic interjections and shifting synth textures.
The record is loosely split between a hip-hip side and an R'n’B side, though neither half is entirely devoid of elements borrowed from the other. Highlights are plentiful, but one never loses the sense that there is too much Pharrell the Pop Star here (as opposed to Pharrell the Producer). ‘Keep It Playa’ is a wonderfully skittering, minimalist production, but why just one verse for Slim Thug, an MC possessed of a deep, rich baritone, and an exquisite Southern drawl?
‘Young Girl’, meanwhile, is wild loverman-funk with sweet ‘80s electro touches that would have been heaven-sent for Justin (alas, he’s nowhere to be seen). And a Kanye West collaboration (‘Number One’)? Two gifted producers, limited in the vocal department, competing for the mic? Bald men, combs, etc.
The freshness of Pharrell’s mind still impresses, but this is conclusive proof that DIY is not always the best option.