Happy, happy, happy". The chorus from Pharrell Williams' zappy tune, er, Happy perfectly captures the essence of the producer-turned-singer's sophomore album, Girl.
Williams was 2013's biggest name in music, and he looks set to leave a big impression on 2014, too, with this new record.
It seems like anything he touches turns to gold at the moment. Just watch his performance at the Grammys, when he casually rocked up on stage, to deliver a flawless live show with his pals Daft Punk, as if no rehearsals were needed.
The 10-track album opens with the infectious Happy, and there are plenty more goofy, Motown-inspired tunes waiting. Highlights include Brand New, which features back-up vocals by Justin Timberlake, and Know Who You
Are, a groovetastic
duet with Alicia Keys.
Gust of Wind kicks off with a robotic guitar riff similar to last year's megahit Get Lucky. When Williams' vocals give way to Daft Punk's iconic auto-tune, it's enough to catapult fans into space.
Williams' last attempt to go solo, 2006's In My Mind, was disappointing, forcing him to focus on behind-the-scenes work. But Girl's carnival of beats means we wouldn't mind seeing a bit more of him alone on stage.