Pharrell Williams – In My Mind (2xLP)

In My Mind is the debut solo album by Pharrell Williams, released in July 2006. It showcases his evolution from behind-the-scenes producer to front-and-centre artist, blending hip-hop, R&B, and pop over 16 tracks. Pharrell takes full production credit, enlisting a diverse roster of guest features including Jay-Z, Kanye West, Snoop Dogg, Nelly, Slim Thug and Pusha T. The album offers a mix of swagger, lush melodic arrangements, and moments of vulnerability, highlighting Pharrell’s melodic sensibilities, signature falsetto, and his flair for crafting catchy hooks alongside more introspective material. Though not all tracks land equally, the production throughout is polished, ambitious, and full of the kind of style that reflects Pharrell’s distinct musical identity.

Commercially successful, the album debuted at number 3 on the US Billboard 200 and was nominated for Best Rap Album at the 49th Grammy Awards. While some listeners praised its highlights—such as “Frontin’,” “You Can Do It Too,” and its guest-assisted tracks—as showing Pharrell’s strengths both as a producer and performer, others felt the second half of the album was more uneven. In sum, In My Mind is a bold statement from Pharrell, offering a mix of high points, stylistic exploration, and a clear sense of personal ambition.

Reviews:

“Still only so-so, offering a series of modestly tuneful, sometimes snoozy soul-pop-hip-hop songs.” – Rolling Stone 

“Stylish and confident to a fault, Pharrell’s success as a solo artist is, unfortunately, pretty much where the album title says it is.” – Slant Magazine 
“It’s not like any part of it is flat-out poor, but it’s a shame it didn’t turn out better.” – AllMusic 

“In My Mind intermittently shares the ingratiating weirdness of Williams’ N.E.R.D. side project, but his shaky rhyming and occasionally off-key crooning suggest he shouldn’t quit his day job cranking out beats anytime soon.” – The A.V. Club