Album Review: Pharrell Celebrates Womankind in 'G I R L'

With Get Lucky, Blurred Lines and newest single Happy owning the number one spot, it really does seem that everything Pharrell Williams touches turns to gold. It is unsurprising that his second solo album since In My Mind back in 2006 has been so highly anticipated.

What was more staggering is Williams' attempt to re-place himself, leaving behind the lusty perversions of Blurred Lines to write an album filled with celebratory tracks about women. G I R L commences elegantly,consumed with stringed instruments before switching to synth with a pinch of  '70s groove in Marilyn Monroe.

Keeping it smooth and suave in Brand New, Pharrell joins forces with Justin Timberlake to create a toe-tappingly soulful and Jackson 5-esque tune that keeps you smiling.Funk begins to take over throughout the sultry songs Hunger and Gush. The ever-addictive Happy nestles itself in the middle of the album before Miley Cyrus makes a fleeting appearance in Come Get It Bae and French dance duo Daft Punk combine orchestral elements with smooth synthesizer snippets in Gust of Wind, a song that glorifies the feeling of falling in love.

Lost Queen diverts the listeners' journey through G I R L as it adopts remote African qualities with strong harmonious backing vocals and prominent drums. Williams challenges female stereotypes as he sings "I don't have a problem with multi-tasking, taking care of you is my number one passion". Half way through, the song fades to the faint and calming sound of crashing waves before the tempo is slowed and an R'n'B tone is adopted.

The album reaches it's peak in Know Who You Are, a track which combines reggae tones with soulful funk as Alicia Keys provides the perfect accompaniment. Finishing the album with It Girl's subtly sexy lyrics, Williams' softly sings "you my inspiration" as he sets the bar for an understated feminism that has been desperately needed in chart music of late.

I give the album: ★★★★