Watch Pharrell’s Anime, Pokemon-Inspired ‘It Girl’ Video
Thus far, Pharrell‘s Girl has produced two pop hits: “Happy” the chart-topping single that first appeared on the Despicable Me 2 soundtrack, and “Come Get It Bae,” which featured supporting vocals from Miley Cyrus. Now, six months after the album’s release, its cool closing track is getting the busy, high-concept video that might push it toward becoming hit number three.
Produced by Takashi Murakami, the man behind Kanye West‘s Graduation artwork, the video renders Pharrell into – and in the style of – various cartoons and video games. At one point, he’s skateboarding (under his giant hat) through a Sega-esque beach level; at another, he’s shown in Pokemon-style widescreen. Eventually, there is an interstellar Mount Rushmore featuring Murakami, Pharrell and a cute little dog.
Back in March, Girl became Rolling Stone‘s first four-star record of the year. “Girl is a simple, even slight record,” Jon Dolan wrote in his review. “And that’s definitely meant as a compliment. Everyone in pop owes him a favor, but the superstar cameos are few and easefully turned: There’s Timberlake harmonizing on the mirror-ball fantasia ‘Brand New,’ and there are the robots of Daft Punk vocoding along to the spiraling astral-groove come-on ‘Gust of Wind.’ The music is just as uncluttered as the track list, riding the light, euphoric vibe Pharrell established on the album’s Number One hit, ‘Happy.’ The only requirement for getting into this club is admitting your own joy.”