The Bottom Line
The second single (third if you count the UK release "Angel") from Pharrell's album In My Mind is a slice of minimalist magic. Pulling in Kanye West to help out, the track sounds like two recording masters at play in the studio. This one deserves to be in swift radio rotation.
Listen to "Number 1."
Pros
- Gentle prodding humor in Kanye's rhymes
- Smooth, minimalist soul
- Catchy hook
Cons
- It's very very light
Description
- Minimalist synth beats
- Sweet, soulful vocals from Pharrell
- Witty rhymes from Kanye
Guide Review - Pharrell featuring Kanye West - Number 1
Pharrell, one half of the Neptunes, is a man who seems most comfortable as the master behind the boards in the recording studio instead of the guy out front. However, a promised first solo album (it was first due in the fall of 2005 and is now slated for late July 2006) will shine the spotlight directly on the pop/hip hop genius. It's not surprising, though, that he will call on his legions of friends in the business to provide stellar support.
"Number 1" is a simple tune about reassuring a lover, but with the continual vocal prodding of a personality like Kanye West the song quickly turns into a shiny gem of a record. Pharrell's own sweetly soulful vocals go down easy, but, after stating "you deserve a verse from me," Kanye delivers a stuttering rhyme name-dropping Jesus of Nazareth, the Fresh Prince and Jazzy Jeff that steals the show.
"Can I Have It Like That," Pharrell's single from last fall featuring Gwen Stefani was all-but-ignored by pop radio. This time it should be a no-brainer to add the work of "Skateboard P" and the "Louis Vuitton Don."
