Pharrell album 3/3

92 IN THE SHADE: File under “due to popular demand.” In breaking news, the release date for one of the year’s most eagerly awaited albums is being moved up because of the intense heat the budding superstar in question is giving off. We’re referring, of course, to Pharrell Williams and his Columbia debut album, the oddly rendered G I R L, which will be released worldwide on Monday, 3/3—immediately after he performs his current smash “Happy” on ABC’s Academy Awards telecast, with tens of millions watching (he’s also doing the song on the BRIT Awards tonight). "When Columbia Records presented me with the opportunity to make an album, three things came to mind,” Pharrell said in a press release that went out early this morning. “One was the sense of overwhelming honor that I felt when I realized that they were interested in partnering with me on the album that I had always dreamt of making. Two, it would have to feel festive and urgent. And three, I instantly knew it would be called G I R L. I hope you like it." The move will make a lot of people “Happy,” none more so than Columbia leader Rob Stringer, whose label is so hot that he might as well be working out of a sauna. We’ll be watching the pre-orders for this puppy (http://smarturl.it/GIRLalbum) with great interest. (2/19a)