Loose - Nelly Furtado

'Whoa, Nelly' was a superb Pop debut - a mish-mash of different styles, great hooks/beats, and thoughtful lyrics. 'Folklore' was Nelly having just become a mother - more relaxed, introspective, but not a commercial Pop success.'Loose' is actually like neither of these albums, and incorporates little from either - but somehow still sounds like typical Furtado... She OWNS this album, and with Timbaland producing the majority of the tracks, it is consistently superb throughout.The first track, Afraid, is hauntingly melodic and is the perfect introduction to this album. The Number 1 single Maneater is followed by Promiscuous Girl (a genuine classic). Glow closely follows - a strong album track.Track 5 changes tack, Showtime, taking the pace down with a beautiful sonic backdrop and lush melodies. No Hay Igual is a fairly strong Latin Reggaeton-esque song, reminiscent of the 'La Tortura' Remix. This is followed by one of the few weak tracks, the Latin slush-fest Te Busque.Back to the Timbaland 1980's Throwback Show, on Say It Right - a moody, atmospheric song. The heat is cranked up by Do It - a Pop classic that Madonna in her prime would have snapped up... This must be a future single.The album, having hooked you in, now temporarily slows down - the sad but true-to-life tale In God's Hands, finds Nelly telling us about the breakdown of her relationship with her baby's father.'Loose' closes strongly with the Arabic-style Wait For You, and the final official track co-written with Coldplay's Chris Martin - All Good Things Come To An End.Out of the 12 tracks on Nelly Furtado's third offering, at least 10 if them are of the highest quality - only the down-tempo numbers let the side down. Wisely, these are kept to a minimum - whilst offering a brief respite to the relentless tempo that scorches the rest of the album.This will be your Pop album of the summer 2006 - and we may as well categorise it with R&B too. It takes pieces of Madonna, Stefani, Timberlake, Kelis and somehow blends them into an album in which the wonderful Furtado still creates her own unique brand. Pick this up... Not now but RIGHT now!

Good music

As a Tea Party fan, I was disappointed to hear they'd split up, but was thrilled to hear there would be a solo production. Jeff successfully manages to tie in the styles (blues, eastern, orchestration) that had been a part of the Tea Party's repertoire at one point or another. Though I do feel there is one new style he's added in this collection of songs... I almost don't know how to classify it, but it makes me feel like I'm down south sitting on a porch out in the country. "Good Times Song" really is that, good times. Though all the songs are quite impressive, this is the track that really stands out for me above the rest. Bravo, Jeff. Keep it up.

Exactly as described and came on time

Bought as a gift and this went down very well. No problems, can't really add further comment as I didn't listen to it.

Really good the best ones are afraid,maneater,promiscuous,say it right

Good delivery and value for money.

Great product, great tracks!!! And of course excellent service, definetely gonna buy again!!!

Very good

Love it.

I'm going to give it 5 out of 5 - 5/5 and it's 100% O.K.

Brilliant album!

This was an unknown album to me as I was recommended another album by Nelly. So pleased I took a chance. Have played it a lot. Easy to listen to, uplifting and interesting musically.

I'd heard the singles and seen the videos. I saw the CSI: New York appearance. I could resist no longer. Sound move.Maneater and Promiscuous are as provocative as it gets. Say It Right is catchy, and a nice combination of cool backing and passionate singing. Singles over and done with. You don't need me to tell you about them.Afraid is a great opener, and the choir at the end really belt out the chorus, then can't resist the urge to break down in peals of laugher at their efforts. Good feelgood song.There are three tracks which showcase the Latina in Nelly. No Hay Igual (There is no equal) is great; a Latina, hip shaking chant. Te Busque (Looking for you, I guess) has a nice mariachi band feel about it. Somebody To Love is a salsa-flavoured blast. Question: why no lyrics on the insert? My Spanish isn't good enough to pick up much of No Hay Igual (other than "No quiero otro" and "Mucho gusto, señor") or Te Busque. If they're in Spanish, that is. I have no idea! I'd like to have at least a fighting chance of knowing what's being sung here.All Good Things is a great song, nice lyrics (From fire to dust; from lovers to friends: all good things come to an end). Backing reminds me of El Condor Pasa (by Simon & Garfunkel), which also features those Andean pipes.Showtime sounds like Design Of A Decade era Janet Jackson. Nothing wrong with Miss Janet. No need to copy her, either.Wait For You is preceded by some chat between Nelly and Timbaland about the backing track to the song, and she's right, it's great, with a slight Middle Eastern feel and a heavy downbeat. Singing's good, too.The production all round is excellent, and this really is a good record, very immediate. I'd be surprised if we'll remember it in ten, or even five, years' time, but for now, enjoy. This is music for now.

Fab