I’m listening to…
Curent Album:
Nelly Furtado
"Loose"
I won't spend a lifetime reviewing this album. I'm a big Nelly fan (not the stupid rapper), and have been for a long time. I was a little concerned about her third major release though, as my first exposure to it was "Permiscuous Girl" on the Radio. "That's Nelly," I thought to myself, "oh man, she's totally sold out." But although it's true that she's capitalized on her popularity and success by teaming up with various Gangta' rappers and the like, I'm happy to proclaim that "Loose" is another smashing success by one of my favorite artists.
The first five songs had me worried, all seemingly forming a giant mess of different genres ranging from folk to fusion rock. I just wasn't connecting. But then the 2nd half of the Album came, and I relaxed. Once again I was treated to the Canadian-born, Brazilian heritaged crooner's mix of contemporary-pop with a folkish latin feel. I love the beats and her strangely addictive nasal-vocals.
"No Hay igual's" fantastic rhythmic thump satisfied me, even though I don't speak enough spanish to understand the lyrics anymore. Then another beautiful duet with her favorite collaborator Juanes titled "Te Busque" (I sought you).
I was completely smitten once again by the time I got to track 10, "In God's Hands." That's where Nelly's at her best in my opinion. The simple vocally driven love ballad (or in this case a love lost ballad). It reminices of Jewel, but somehow is better in its simplicity. I've listened to that song over and over.
"Wait for you rocks" with a hip-hoppish feel, followed by "Somebody to Love," the purest of the latin tracks on the album. Afterward I even found myself beginning to enjoy "maneater," strange track that it is.
Look for the final melody, "All good things," in a movie soundtrack. I'll bet on it. It just has that gentle reflective feel.
Good Job Ms. Furtado, once again you've satisfied my itching ears by making music that is truly unique but somehow as initimate as ever.
9/10 – dan.
p.s. In other news, my second Hey Ocean concert tomorrow night! Yea!
