Girl (Pharrell Williams album)
Girl is the second studio album by American singer-songwriter Pharrell Williams. The album was released on March 3, 2014, by Williams' label I Am Other and Columbia Records. Girl was Williams' first studio album since his 2006 debut, In My Mind. It contains appearances by Justin Timberlake, Miley Cyrus, Daft Punk, JoJo, and Alicia Keys.
Girl
March 3, 2014
- Chalice
- Conway
- Newman Scoring Stage (Los Angeles)
- CRC (Chicago)
- Circle House (Miami)
- Germano
- Jungle City (New York City)
- Glenwood Place (Burbank)
- South Beach
- The Studio at the Setai (Miami Beach)
- Studio at the Palms (Las Vegas)
- Studio Gang (Paris)
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Pharrell Williams
Girl received generally positive reviews from critics. It peaked at number one in 12 countries worldwide, also peaking in the top 10 of the charts of 17 other countries. The album has sold 591,000 copies in the United States as of February 2015. Its lead single was the Oscar-nominated "Happy" (from the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack), which was a huge worldwide success, becoming one of the best-selling singles of all time. Follow-up singles "Marilyn Monroe", "Come Get It Bae", and "Gust of Wind" have achieved moderate success. At the 57th Grammy Awards, the album was nominated for Album of the Year and won Best Urban Contemporary Album. "Happy" also won Best Pop Solo Performance and Best Music Video.
Background[edit]
Williams provided vocals for French electronic duo Daft Punk's 2013 album Random Access Memories. After returning from the Paris recording sessions, he attended a meeting with record label managers, who said that the results were "spectacular" and that "Get Lucky" would be Daft Punk's next single. They also made Williams an offer to record his own album, to which he quickly agreed.[1]
On December 17, 2013, it was announced that Williams had signed to Columbia Records and would release his second studio album in 2014.[2] On February 18, 2014, Williams unveiled a trailer for the album.[3]
Concept[edit]
The work was described as a feminist "almost-concept" album in early reviews.[4][1] Interviewed by Zane Lowe backstage at the 2014 Brit Awards, Williams specified that the capitalization and double-spacing of the album title is deliberately designed, "Because when you look at it, it looks a little weird... Because society is a little unbalanced." He added that he wished to honor the female figures in his life by making the record.[5]
Music and lyrics[edit]
The opening track on the album, "Marilyn Monroe", begins with an orchestral string introduction.[6] The song's production is characterized by Williams' distinctive bass line.[7] The album's first single, "Happy", is a neo soul and funk song that Williams sings in a falsetto tone.[8]
"Come Get It Bae", which features uncredited guest vocals from Miley Cyrus, is a funk song with playful beat.[9][10] Lyrically, the song is based around sex and the metaphor "You want to ride my motorcycle?" serving as a double entendre for sex.[11]
Singles[edit]
"Happy" was first released on November 21, 2013, the song was originally written for and included on the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack.[12] The song was reissued on December 16, 2013, as the album's lead single.[13] On November 24, Williams released the first 24-hour music video for "Happy". Guest appearances included Magic Johnson, Steve Carell, Jimmy Kimmel, Jamie Foxx, Odd Future, Miranda Cosgrove, Janelle Monáe and many others.[14] The song has been commercially successful, peaking at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100, topping charts in 19 other countries, and reaching top 10 positions in several more. It received a nomination for Best Original Song at the 86th Academy Awards, and Williams performed the song live at the ceremony on March 2, 2014.[15]
In an interview with New York radio station Power 105.1, Williams revealed that the album's second single would be "Marilyn Monroe".[16] On March 10, 2014, the single was added to the playlist of British urban contemporary radio station BBC Radio 1Xtra.[17]
"Come Get It Bae" serves as the third single release from Girl and the second in the United States. It impacted rhythmic, urban contemporary and contemporary hit radio on May 20, 2014.[18]
"Gust of Wind" was released to Italian contemporary hit radio on October 24, 2014, as the album's fourth single.[19] "It Girl" was released to British contemporary hit radio on November 10, 2014, as the album's fifth single.[20]
Commercial performance[edit]
Girl debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart on March 9, 2014.[37] With first-week sales of over 70,000 copies, it was the fastest-selling album of 2014 in the UK at the time of its release, overtaking Bruce Springsteen's High Hopes by 45% and being certified silver.[37] As of February 2015, Girl has sold 320,000 copies in the UK and been certified platinum.[38]
In the United States, the album debuted at number two on the US Billboard 200, selling 113,000 copies.[39] In its second week, the album dropped to number five on that chart, selling 45,000 more copies.[40] In its third week, the album dropped to number six on that chart, selling 34,000 more copies.[41] In its fourth week, the album rose to number five on that chart, selling 25,000 more copies.[42] As of February 2015, the album has sold 591,000 copies in the United States.[43]
All tracks written and produced by Pharrell Williams; co-writers are indicated. (Credits adapted from Tidal)[44]
Notes