Fresh, new and different (Whoa Nelly! - Nelly Furtado)

Member Name: AbsintheFairy

Product:	Whoa Nelly! - Nelly Furtado
Date:	11/10/09 (15 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Very unusual, different album with varied songs

Disadvantages: A few weaker tracks

Whoa Nelly! was the first album released by Nelly Furtado, and the first album of hers I bought, way back when I was in college (it was released in 2001).

What drew me to the album was that the singles she'd released from it were so different, yet all good in their way. When I bought the album I wasn't disappointed. The album has pop, Latin, RnB, hip-hop and urban influences, and they all work together really well to produce an excellent album, held together by Nelly's distinctive voice.

Track Listing

1. Hey, Man! - The album opener is a chilled out, summery track with a distinctive violin. Good to listen to on a sunny Sunday morning.

2. ... On The Radio (Remember The Days) - This song has more of an urban feel to it, with a strong beat. I can't help but smile as Nelly sings about all the people who reckoned she was selling out when she got famous.

3. Baby Girl - A poppy number with an electronic beat.

4. Legend - A quieter song with softer vocals from Nelly, it has an acoustic feel to it.

5. I'm Like A Bird - This was Nelly's first single and the one that propelled her to stardom, in Britain at least. I must admit this song was slightly overplayed and I got a bit sick of it. However, listening to it a few years later it sounds really summery and fresh.

6. Turn Off The Light - Probably my favourite song on the album, it shows a darker side to Nelly (helped by the video set in a swamp!).

7. Trynna Finda Way - This song has a strong 'street' feel to it, and is quite quirky.

8. Party - I love this song, particularly because it reminds me of the way you feel when you are actually at a party and you've had a few too many! Very atmospheric.

9. Well, Well - A lighthearted song, very bright and breezy.

10. My Love Grows Deeper, Part 1 - A slightly darker song with a distinctive beat, really shows off Nelly's quirky lyrics.

11. I Will Make U Cry - A slower song, with a Latin influence.

12. Scared Of You - A nice slow ballad.

13. Onde Estas - This one is sung in Spanish - a nice touch and very atmospheric.

14. I Feel You feat. Esthero - I'm not too keen on this one to be honest. I don't know who Esthero is, but he's annoying.

15. My Love Grows Deeper (Single Version) - Another version of My Love Grows Deeper, I think I prefer the original though.

Overall I think this is a fantastic album with so many varied styles. There are a couple of songs that I'm not so keen on (mostly at the end of the album) but there is a much higher than usual complement of standout songs. For some reason I tend to listen to it in the spring and summer - it has that kind of sunny vibe about it, and even the darker, slower songs recall warm, humid summer evenings (even if warm summer evenings tend to only exist in my imagination!) I can't believe Nelly was only 21 when it was released. It still sounds really fresh and exciting now.

Summary: Perfect accompaniment to your summer