You may not recall that “Happy” by Pharrell Williams was first released for the “Despicable Me 2” (2013) soundtrack. What you absolutely cannot forget is its hook — not even if you wanted to. Williams’ newest single was also released for an animated film, though this association will be much easier to remember — they’re both titled “Piece by Piece.”
Like “Happy,” the “Piece by Piece” single is a banger. It has an infectious, classic Pharrell/Neptunes beat, and the lyrics actually make the film‘s unique storytelling device — a Pharrell Williams biopic told in LEGO form — seem like the perfect creative choice.
“Piece by Piece” the song is not quite as good or earworm-y as “Happy” — that may be a good thing in the end. “Happy,” which was later re-released in 2014 as the first single from Williams’ full studio album “Girl,” was wildly overplayed. When that happens — even with a great song — catchy can quickly become grating.
How overplayed was “Happy”? Well, about four-and-a-half months after its initial release for the Universal and Illumination sequel film, a 24-hour music video for “Happy” was released. The full-day music video was unique, cool, and inventive, but it also could probably be used as a form of torture an enhanced interrogation technique.
At the time I wrote: Yes, it’s 24-hours of the same song, though not continuously starring the same actors or setting, mercifully. Plus, the tune with the infectious hook is catchy enough to last — though there probably isn’t any song that has 1,440 minutes of staying power. Even you, Meatloaf.
You can still watch 360 (straight) versions of the four-minute song here — if you’re up to it.
“Piece by Piece” the film hails from Focus Features, which, like Illumination, is another NBCUniversal-owned studio, and is directed by Morgan Neville. It generally works, film critic Caleb Hammond wrote in his review for IndieWire, though a little more depth would have done it some good.
“’Piece by Piece” is ultimately surface-level entertainment, a light, visually-inventive ride without much to offer its audiences beyond a reaffirmation on the values of hard work and believing in one’s self,” Hammond wrote.
Hammond gave the film a B-. Nobody asked me, but I’d grade the single a solid B (for Banger).
“Piece by Piece” debuts in theaters on October 11.
For now, stream the “Piece by Piece” single pretty much wherever you stream your music. Or just click the official audio YouTube link below.
