Whoa, Nelly

For those of us who had heard much about Nelly but hadnt actually heard her music or her wonderful voice, her recent appearance on Jay Leno's show singing her beautiful first single 'Im like a bird' was introduction enough.

Nelly's music is arresting. From the opening numbers to the closing song, what strikes the listener most is that each of the songs could be a potential hit single, something last witnessed only on Alanis Morissette's 'Jagged little pill'. Nelly sounds nothing like Alanis, but what she manages is nothing short of extraordinary.

'Whoa, Nelly' seems like a careless album title, but its not. Once you listen to the album, you know that it captures the singer's spirit and her vibrancy perfectly. It also indicates that this is a fun album - no soulful dirges a la Sarah McLachlan and no pointless poetry like Jewel's.

This album is one of those that will set a trend - Nelly has bridged the gap between pop music and folk culture, Spanish dance and tribal chants. While there are traces of Lauryn Hill influenced hip-hop, the album remains fresh and original throughout, and evokes Joni Mitchell in patches.

One thing is certain : 'Whoa, Nelly' brings to the fore a beautiful and remarkably gifted new songstress, and I can't wait for more of her work. In the meantime, you sure will be listening to this one for much of this year. Yes, its that addictive.

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This Lady stopped me in my tracks. I generally hate contemporary pop music. This is really different. She has a marvellous delivery. The backup musicians are excellent. The production values are top-notch. The beat is infectious beyond belief! I don't care what genre of music you listen to, this CD has got to at least be listened to for you to form an opinion. My bet is that it will capture you instantly, as it did me.