Pharrell Signs With Columbia Records, Plans Solo Album For 2014

Sam Lansky | December 17, 2013 12:22 pm

Singer-songwriter-producer-designer-mogul Pharrell dominated 2013, and if this is any indication, he’s about to have an even better 2014: A press release distributed today touts Pharrell’s recent signing to Columbia Records for a solo album due out next year. The LP will feature his Despicable Me 2 soundtrack cut “Happy” as well as, y’know, some new songs.

“When we excitedly partnered with Pharrell in January of this year, we felt it was his time again,” Columbia Records chairman Rob Stringer said. “Since then, ‘Blurred Lines’ and ‘Get Lucky’ have defined pop music in 2013, and now we are preparing to launch Pharrell as a global solo superstar in 2014. ‘Happy’ is just the beginning.” Well! That’s that.

It is striking to acknowledge what a banner year the dude has had — see how many best-of-year lists feature “Blurred Lines” and “Get Lucky” in their Top 10 — and the seven Grammy nominations he just received don’t hurt, either.

And given how masterfully Columbia has handled several of this year’s highest-profile releases — Daft Punk‘s Random Access Memories and Beyonce‘s self-titled surprise album, among others — it’s hard to imagine a better place for him to land.

The yet-to-be-titled album will be Pharrell’s second solo outing. His 2006 album, In My Mind, drew mixed reviews and debuted at #3 on the Billboard chart.

Get an eyeful of even more pop music coverage, from artist interviews to exclusive performances, on Idolator’s YouTube channel.

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