Pharrell Williams G I R L

While 2006's In My Mind often showcased Pharrell the Rapper, G I R L, its 2014 follow-up, is all about his velvet-smooth voice. Soft and supple on the opulent opener, “Marilyn Monroe”, playful on the grinding funk of “Hunter” and full of joy on the world-dominating anthem “Happy”, his vocals are cast in immaculate, soulful productions. It's testament to his own star power that the album's myriad guests—Miley Cyrus, Justin Timberlake, Daft Punk, Alicia Keys—slot seamlessly into his vision, never eclipsing the real star.