Music Review: In My Mind
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this CD is filled with explicit
sexual references and racist language, along with some
provocative but well-produced lyrics.
Families can talk about using tough real-life experiences as
material for songwriting. Pharrell sings poignantly about his
grandmother's death, for example. You could also play "Angel"
and let the vocals inspire a family-falsetto-singing contest.
Families can talk about using life's hardships to fuel art, and
how refreshing it can be when artists take musical risks, even
if they are not 100 percent successful.
As half of the Neptunes, along with partner Chad Hugo, Pharrell has enabled many a pop music career. Quite an array of stars, including Justin Timberlake and Snoop Dogg have benefited from the Neptunes' killer instincts as producers and arrangers. IN MY MIND allows the world to hear the music in Pharrell's mind. The results are mixed, with some lyrics that deal with contemporary issues and predictably sparkling arrangements. High points are the unapologetically raunchy "Can I Have It Like That," featuring Gwen Stefani, and "Keep It Playa," delivered with exuberant marching-band rhythms.
A collage of hip-hop and soul tunes, IN MY MIND sticks to tried-and-true formulas with few musical surprises. Heavy explicit content practically ensures parental discomfort, but there are some beautiful and heartfelt lyrics as well -- addressing family, relationships, and how the death of a loved one affects the hearts of those left behind. Despite a few awkward steps and a LOT of strong language (edited CD is clumsily done and not worth the trouble), Pharrell has come up with some visceral material dealing with real-life issues.
Kanye WestGame Theory
Common Sense Media is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing information to help parents make media and entertainment choices for their families.
Join Us