This track is probably a bit of a long shot in this year’s race for Best Original Song, but, well, it’s awesome.
Hip-hop artist Pharrell Williams (who goes by simply “Pharrell”) contributed the original tracks to Universal’s summer animated effort “Despicable Me.” They give the film a smooth, rhythmic vibe and go a long way toward the film’s overall personality, too. In that sense, they really should be considered some of the best song contributions to a film this year.
The title track, “Despicable Me,” plays over an opening sequence that introduces the audience to the central character, villain-turned-softy Gru. It’s a key sequence given what we see unfold, as it establishes Gru as diabolical in a quick series of devilish moments with the character. I imagine when voters are sitting there watching the songs in context, going through clip after clip, this one could stick out as particularly humorous.
It would be nice if songs like this were taken seriously by the music branch, but I feel they aren’t lofty enough to get the benefit of the doubt. Pharrell is a great talent and it would be unique and fresh to see someone like that get a nomination, but those two words are often absent from a nominee slate’s vocabulary.
Have a listen to “Despicable Me” below, and remember to follow the Best Original Song via its dedicated page here.
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[Photo: Life]
Comments
9 responses to “Listen to Pharrell’s ‘Despicable Me’ from ‘Despicable Me’”
Ugh. Couldn’t stand the film or any of the songs in it.
I usually can’t stand rap (with the exception of Will Smith’s work) and I disliked the earlier two hip-hop songs that won in this category.
Yet, there is a certain charm and catchiness to this tune, in the first half anyway.
Oh and since this is regarding Despicable Me, to ask a kinda-OT question, when can we expect the announcement of the eligible animated features? I’ve been awaiting that all week.
I can totally see this song get a nomination.
Wow, I couldn’t disagree more about this being an awesome song. It sounds like some looped rapping over a piece of the score (I assume it is).. Frankly, I’m not even sure I’d call it a song.. It’s more like.. a loop track.
It’s not so bad that it makes my ears bleed or anything, but it’s a pretty pathetic excuse for a song.
Jesus. Hyperbole.
I really like Pharrell, including his work with his band N.E.R.D. and his production duo The Neptunes, but I can’t stand this song. I think “The Most Beautiful Girls” is somewhat better, but almost all from ‘Despicable Me’ are pretty damn lame.
I haven’t seen the film but some of the lyrics are funny. Wouldn’t say it’s as exciting as, say, “Hard Out Here For a Pimp” or “Lose Yourself” but it’s original at least.
If the hyperbole comment is aimed at me, what’s so hyperbole about my comment? The fact that I’d barely call it a song? Well, call it hyperbole if you want, I stand by what I said. Listening to this compared to the other Pharrell songs on the soundtrack this definitely is the least catchy, least “song-like” track of them.
Snowball’s chance in hell this gets nominated.