In My Mind [PA] by Pharrell (CD, Jul-2006, Interscope Records USA)

First off, let me just say, I'm a huge N*E*R*D fan. I'm also a huge Neptunes fan.

After hearing the 2003 hit Frontin' I had been looking forward to Pharrell's solo release for some time. 3 years later we finally get to hear In My Mind. After almost a full year of delays, with some of that attributed to making sure the album was perfect, I have to say i was extremely dissapointed.

Maybe he's been too distracted with his fashion label, maybe he was under too much pressure from himself, the record label and the fans, or maybe it's simply the absence of his production partner, Chad Hugo, but this album does not deliver.

There are a few good songs on the album. I won't deny that, but his rapping ability is not showcased well enough on the 'rap' side of the album. the same goes for the r&b side. Listen to Pharrell on Twista's Lavish and Frontin' and compare it to any song on the album and you'll know what I mean.

The production is by no means bad, there are some great songs on there, but the lyrical content, style and flow just don't measure up. Appearances from Slim Thug, Snoop Dogg and KanYe West keep it respectable but it's not as good as it should have been.

If you're a N*E*R*D fan you'll find it worth a listen, but it isn't as good as their albums or many of the Neptunes' productions that have made Pharrell what he is today.

Stand out tracks for me are:
2. How Does It Feel
8. Angel
14. Number 1