New Music: Pharrell Williams - 'Smile'

Pharrell spreads more sunshine with “Smile,” a bonus track that appears on the Japanese edition of his second album G I R L.

Just like his hit “Happy” (which spends its 10th week at No. 1), the feel-good track features a catchy hook and optimistic lyrics. A joyous Pharrell sings about being a father and “F.E.A.R.,” which he defines as “false evidence of appearing real.”

During his visit to Howard Stern this week, he also revealed that “Happy” was originally recorded by CeeLo Green (“He wanted to do it, but I think some folks on his team just felt that the priority should’ve been on his album at the time”) and that he first offered Britney Spears’ “I’m a Slave 4 U” to Janet Jackson.

Stream “Smile” and listen to his full interview with Howard below.