Top 10 Pharrell Williams Songs

Photo: arvzdix / Shutterstock.com

Our Top 10 Pharrell Williams Songs list takes a look at a popular producer, singer, rapper, songwriter and entrepreneur. He is just as known for his work as a solo artist as he is for working with other musicians. He has worked with some of music’s successful artists including Justin Timberlake, Snoop Dogg, Usher, Britney Spears, Kelis, Babyface, Gwen Stefani, Daft Punk, Nelly, Madonna, Shakira, Jay-Z, The Clipse as well as many others. He’s one half of the production duo called The Neptunes. He formed the duo with his childhood friend Chad Hugo. They produced songs for several artists. He also became the lead singer in the band N.E.R.D. He also recorded albums on his own. His biggest solo hit is the track “Happy.” Williams received a lot of awards for his work in music. He has 13 Grammy Awards. He also won Billboard Awards, MTV Awards, BET Awards as well as others. Williams was also a coach on The Voice.

Pharrell Lanscilo Williams was born on April 5, 1973. He met Chad Hugo when he was in the seventh grade. He was discovered when a scout for music producer Teddy Riley heard them perform at a high school talent show. The scout introduced Williams and Hugo to Teddy Riley. Williams would go on to write a verse for Wreckx-n-Effects’ song “Rumpshaker.” Williams and Hugo produced a single for Blackstreet called “Tonight’s the Night.” The Neptunes became a sought after writing and producing duo. They went on to write and produce hits for several other artists.

In 2001, The Neptunes formed the band N.E.R.D. The acronym stands for No-one Ever Really Dies. They released their first album called In Search Of…in 2001. They went on to record five other albums together. Their albums didn’t sell as well as their work for other artists. They have two gold albums, but they were more successful writing and producing for other artists.

The Neptunes produced “Use Your Heart” and “When This Feeling” for SWV. They worked with Mary J. Blige on her song “Steal Away.” They worked with Britney Spears. They produced two songs on her self-titled album. They produced “I’m a Slave 4 U” and “Boys.” The Neptunes produced Nelly’s hit “Hot in Here.” They produced the remix of N*Sync’s “Girlfriend.” They would go on to work with Justin Timberlake on his solo albums. They put Kelis on the map when they produced her monster hit “Milkshake.” They helped take Snoop Dogg’s career into a new direction when they produced “Drop It Like It’s Hot” and “Beautiful.”

The duo worked with Usher on his 8701 album. The Neptunes worked with Janet Jackson and Beenie Man on their single “Feel It Boy.” The duo worked with Beyonce. They produced “Work It Out” and “Green Light” for her. The Neptunes produced “When I Love You” for Robin Thicke. Williams produced “Blurred Lines” for Thicke. Pharrell Williams produced Ed Sheeran’s song “Sing.” He produced Frank Ocean’s song “Sweet Life.” Williams produced Jennifer Hudson’s song “I Can’t Describe (How I Feel).” He produced Alicia Keys’ song “It’s on Again.”

The Neptunes released an album together in 2003. The album peaked at number one on the Billboard 200 charts and the r&b charts. It’s a compilation album which features the singles “Frontin’,” “Rock’n’ Roll,” “Light You’re A** on Fire,” “It Blows My Mind” and “It Wasn’t Us.” The album sold over 500,000 copies.

In addition to working with N.E.R.D. as well as producing songs for other artists, Williams released two solo albums. In 2006, Williams released his first solo album. In My Mind peaked at number two on the r&b charts and number three on the Billboard 200 charts. The album sold 142,000 copies in its first week. The album features the singles “Can I Have It Like That,” “Angel,” “Number One” and “That Girl.” The album sold over two million copies.

Girl came out in 2014. It peaked at number one the r&b charts and number two on the Billboard 200 charts. It features the singles “Happy,” “Marilyn Monroe,” “Come Get It Bae,” “Gust of Wind” and “It Girl.” “Happy” was a big hit for Williams. The song went to number one on the charts. The track received an Academy Award nomination. The album sold over 600,000 copies.

Pharrell Williams is a very successful singer, rapper, songwriter and producer. He is just as successful for his work as well as his work for other artists. His career is similar to Teddy Riley, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, and Ashford and Simpson. They created music for themselves as well as other artists. Williams was responsible for a lot of hit music that we hear on the radio. He has written and/or produced some of our favorite songs in music. Our Top 10 Pharrell Williams Songs list will feature his songs as well as songs he and Chad Hugo wrote and produced for other artists.

# 10 – Frontin’ by The Neptunes

The first song on our Top 10 Pharrell Williams Songs is “Frontin’” from The Neptunes Presents…Clones album. The song has an r&b and hip-hop sound. The vulnerable song is about him putting on heirs for the woman he loves. He’s hiding his insecurities from her. This is the Neptunes first big hit song. This is the first song that allowed the listeners a chance to hear Pharrell Williams sing an entire song. He was a guest vocalist on the tracks he produced. Here is some trivia about the song. The track was originally written for Prince. It’s not hard to believe that the track was written with Prince in mind because of the music. You can hear Prince’s influence in the guitar riffs. It has Prince’s stamp all over it.

The Neptunes created this sound for quite a few of the songs they produced. The music is simple. It features the guitar and drums. The drumbeat allows you to move around to the song. Williams sings the song in falsetto. He made a good choice to do that because it fits with the music. It might have been good to hear him sing it in his normal voice, but the falsetto doesn’t hurt the track. He proves he has the ability to sing in a different pitch if he wants to do it.

# 9 – Beautiful by Snoop Dogg ft. Charlie Wilson and Pharrell Williams

The next song on our Top 10 Pharrell Williams Songs list is “Beautiful” from the Paid tha Cost to Be da Bo$$ album. It has a hip-hop and r&b sound. The tribute song is a dedication to beautiful women. This is a departure for Snoop Dogg because he wrote Gangsta rap songs. Some rap songs objectify women by focusing on their physical assets so this track was a great change of pace. This was a chance for Snoop Dogg to appeal to r&b fans as well as hip-hop fans. This track is considered rhythm and Gangsta music. It’s a song that helped propel Snoop Dogg’s career to the next level. The song also helped Charlie Wilson gain a new audience.

The singing legend is a featured vocalist on the track along with Pharrell Williams. There’s no way to sit still when this track is on the radio. It’s excellent to hear at parties or when you just want to dance. The Neptunes signature sound is very present on the track. Snoop Dogg’s rap is cool and laid back as usual. He shines like a diamond while he performs his rhymes. He’s not performing a typical gangsta rap song. He still manages to have swag on the track. Pharrell Williams’ utilizes his silk smooth vocals on the hook. Wilson provides the bridge and the ad libs. They seem like an unlikely trio, but they made this song work. It deserved to be a hit for the artists because they did a fantastic job on it.

# 8 – I’m a Slave 4 U by Britney Spears

The scorching hot song is from the Britney album. The track has a dance, pop and r&b beat. The intoxicating track is about being a slave to music. She talks about being a slave to dancing. Britney Spears wants to have a good time. The song helped change Britney Spears’ image. She wanted a song that would help shed her good girl image. It was considered a sexy and lustful track at the time it was released. Here is some trivia about the song. The Neptunes wrote the song for Janet Jackson. It was supposed to be featured on the All for You album.

The music was inspired by Vanity 6’s hit “Nasty Girl.” If you listen carefully, you can hear the similarity in the melody of the song. The fiery beat will have you on the dance floor. The single screams hit as soon as you hear the music. Britney Spears channeled her inner Donna Summer because she moaned on the track. It was considered controversial at the time because of her image. People didn’t expect her to moan on her songs because she was considered a good girl. This track gave Britney Spears a chance to have a mature sound and gain a broader audience. Britney Spears sings the song in her normal pitch. She sounds like she’s having fun on the track. Britney Spears uses a double while she’s singing. Britney Spears sings one part and she does ad libs for the other part. The song will stay in your head after it’s done.

# 7 – Use Your Heart by SWV

The deep song is from SWV’s New Beginning album. The song has an r&b beat. The meaningful song is about not judging a person based on their looks. The group wants you to focus on how you feel. This is the only ballad on our Top 10 Pharrell Williams Songs list. People may not have known that the Neptunes produced this banger. The song doesn’t sound like any of the songs that are featured on our list. In fact, the song is a complete departure from most of their songs. T

he music is smooth and sensual. This is one of the first songs they produced that appeared on the charts. The music is perfect for the bedroom or if you just want to chill out. Coko’s vocals are phenomenal. She has a strong and powerful voice that she had to pull back on this soft ballad. Her vocals are sensual to match the sensuality of the music. Her gospel roots shine brightly on the track. Taj sings the bridge of the track. Her vocals are smoky and smooth. Her alto vocals were a nice balance to Coko’s soprano vocals. They both sing in time with the beat. Coko takes the song to a climactic finish with her ad libs.

# 6 – Milkshake by Kelis

The delicious song is from Kelis’ Tasty album. The song has an r&b and dance sound to it. The confident song is about making people feel special. She sings about her body making men want to be around her. The song is told in different parts. She talks about her body being sexy and men wanting her. She also talks about women who aren’t confident with their bodies. They want her to teach them how to be confident. Kelis must have amazing confidence to pull off singing a song of this nature. She’s basically telling everyone that she has what can’t be bought. She also talks about charging people to learn how to be like her.

Here is some trivia about the song. The Neptunes wanted Britney Spears to sing the song, but it was turned down. They decided to give the track to Kelis and the rest was history. It was a wise decision because the song helped launch her career. Britney Spears was already a star at this point so she didn’t need a song like this one to propel her career any further. The track helped Kelis become a crossover singer. She had minor success before “Milkshake” was released. The beat is thumping and infectious. It will have you out of your seat and on the dance floor. The track features a blazing synthesizer beat. The music is attention grabbing and demanding. It’s perfect for her fast delivery of the lyrics. Her voice is pretty if you get past the theme of the song. She doesn’t sound like anyone else in music. Her tone is beautiful and fits with the music.

# 5 – U Don’t Have to Call by Usher

The next song on our Top 10 Pharrell Williams Songs list is “U Don’t Have to Call” from his 8701 album. The track has an r&b beat to it. The breakup song is about him breaking up with a woman and moving on with his life. He won a Grammy Award for this track. Here is some trivia about the track. The song was intended for Michael Jackson to sing. Michael Jackson is one Usher’s biggest influences so it makes sense that he got the chance to record a song that was meant for Jackson.

The song is designed for the club. It has the classic Neptunes sound. The keyboard, drums, and guitar riffs are featured on the track. The melody is similar to Justin Timberlake’s “Rock Your Body.” It sounds like a slowed down version of Timberlake’s song. The song has Usher’s swag on it as well. He wants you to party and you can’t help tagging along with him. Usher’s smooth vocals are fire on the song. He sounds similar to Michael Jackson on this track. He commands your attention while he sings the song. He sings in his normal voice with the verses and sings in falsetto for the bridge.

# 4 – Get Lucky by Daft Punk ft. Pharrell Williams

The romantic song is from Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories album. It has a disco, pop and funk beat. The metaphoric song has a myriad of meanings. It could be about being lucky enough to find the person you love. It could also be about a sexual encounter. It’s up to you to determine the meaning behind the double entendre. The track was a departure for Daft Punk. The group was known for house music so this track was a change for them. The song has a classic sound to it. It’s easy to hear the Michael Jackson influence on the track.

Music legend Nile Rogers is a featured guitarist on the track. He brings a funky style to the song. His riffs are fire. The mellow beat is impressive. Pharrell Williams sings the track in his normal voice. He sounds good and didn’t need to sing in falsetto. He got a chance to show the world that he does have a decent voice. He sings in time with the beat changes. He makes you want to sing along with him. His smooth vocals are excellent with the music. This song was destined to be a hit for the group because it had hit written all over it.

# 3 – There She Goes by Babyface

The banger is from Babyface’s Face2Face album. The track has an r&b, electro and hip-hop beat to it. The lustful song is about him being attracted to a woman that he sees. He admires her beauty as well as her style. This song is a departure for Babyface because he’s known for making bedroom music. He wanted to change his style for this track to appeal to hip-hop fans. It was the first time he worked with The Neptunes. The song became a Top 40 hit for them. It may take Babyface’s long-time fans some time to get used to the change, but it’s worth it.

The musical style is different from Babyface’s work, but he managed to make it work. He still had some of his style included, but The Neptunes took it up a notch. They created a track that was an Urban sound instead of classic r&b. The music is tailor made for the clubs instead of the bedroom. The base and drumbeat drive the music. It gives the music something extra. They bring everything but the kitchen sink on the track. Babyface’s vocals are stellar as usual. He proved he could sing anything and make it sound great. He sings in time with the music. Pharrell Williams appears in the song. He sings the chorus. They are an unlikely duo, but their voices blended well together.

# 2 – Feels by Calvin Harris ft. Pharrell Williams. Big Sean and Katy Perry

The funky song is from Calvin Harris’ Funk Wav Bounces Vol. 1 album. The track has a funk and disco beat to it. The romantic track is about a man who wants to get closer to a woman. The song is told in two parts. The first part is about him wanting to get closer to the woman. The second half is told from her point of view. She wants him to approach her. Here is some trivia about the song. Katy Perry and Calvin Harris had a feud going before they worked on the track. Harris didn’t go on tour with Perry and they ended up in a social media feud. Luckily, the feud didn’t affect the song. They worked well together. What’s not to love about this song?

Everything about the song works. Let’s start with the lush disco-inspired music. The groove has an old school sound and that was the perfect choice for it. The music is inspired by Nile Rogers’ style. It combines pop, funk and disco quite nicely. There’s no way to sit still while listening to the thumping beat. Williams sings the verses of the track while Perry sings the chorus. Williams sounds right at home with the music. He sings in time with all of the beat changes. His smooth vocals are amazing. He uses his normal voice instead of singing in falsetto. Perry commands you to sing the catchy chorus with her. Big Sean adds swag to the track. His rhymes are cool and laid back. With this combination of acts, there’s no way this song couldn’t be a hit.

# 1 – Happy by Pharrell Williams

The number one song on out Top 10 Pharrell Williams Songs list is “Happy” from the Girl album. The song has a soul, neo soul and disco sound. The optimistic song is about being “happy.” He wants everyone to be “happy.” The track delivers a good message to listeners. The song is perfect to listen to now because of what’s going on in the world today. Everyone wants to be happy. The song is an excellent choice to listen to when you are feeling down. There’s no way not to smile while listening to the song. Here is some trivia about the track.

The song was meant for CeeLo Green. He didn’t record it so Williams chose to keep it for his album. It was a wise choice for Williams because it was a monster hit. The track was the biggest song of 2014. Green definitely made a mistake turning this track down to record a Christmas album. The groove is simple, but it does its job. The jaunty rhythm will definitely have you moving around. The music features claps in it. This may or may not be annoying, but it doesn’t hurt the song. Williams uses his falsetto voice on the track. He sounds similar to Curtis Mayfield on the song. He teases the audience with his vocals, which makes you want to sing along with him. The chorus is an earworm that will stay in your head after it’s done. You might end up listening to this song on repeat so that you can hear it again. The song deserved to be number one on the charts and number one on our list.