Seeing Success?

There's no denying that Pharrell Williams has one of the more impressive resumes in the music biz. Churning out hit after hit for artists as diverse as Madonna, Gwen Stefani, and Jay-Z, this man of many talents has developed quite the musical palate over the years. His penchant for productivity has inspired two albums under the the outfit N*E*R*D, which includes Neptunes producing partner Chad Hugo and rapper Shay Haley. After a four year hiatus, the trio returns with their third effort, Seeing Sounds -- a album inspired by synesthesia, a rare neurological phenomenon that causes people relate particular words or sounds to colors in their minds (Side note: I think I have an aunt who has this). And this title couldn't be any more fitting, as Pharrell and Hugo certainly get creative with a multitude of sounds on this genre-spanning disc. Through the course of the 12 song set, this production prodigy team experiments with riff-heavy rock, electronica, hip-hop, soul, funk, and new wave. When interviewed about Seeing Sounds at SXSW this year, Pharrell was quoting as saying, "We didn't care about genres; we're not doing this for the money." After listening to some of the record's more head-scratching songs (see "Anti Matter" and questionable single choice "Everyone Nose") this sentiment becomes apparent. Considering Pharrell's track record of mastering the art of the mash-up, he falls a little flat on this set. And oddly enough, it is the underproduced songs that are really the winners on Sounds. The soulful "Sooner or Later" stacks up with some N*E*R*D's best material from the first two albums. But unfortunately there is a level of excitement that is missing from say a "Rock Star" or a "Lap Dance." And please don't pay much attention to Haley's rhymes. Because lyrically this is a very forgettable album. But if blasting loud car stereo music is your thing, you'll have no problem with Seeing Sounds.

My Rating: 6.5/10