Nelly Furtado

Nelly Furtado is one of those world-recognized artists that deserve respect independent of one’s preferred music styles. Her new album Spirit Indestructible, released this month, is sure to gain attention from media and fans alike.

For the first two tracks, “Spirit Indestructible” and “Big Hoops (Bigger The Better),” Furtado makes very strange sounds with her voice, kind of like she is keeping all the air in her throat. That might not be the most natural sound to listen to. Just when listeners are not looking forward to any more songs, Furtado starts singing in her regular voice. From the third track on, Spirit Indestructible becomes listenable.

Perhaps the songs “Something,” “Bucket List,” and “The Most Beautiful Thing” in the middle of the album are the best creations on Spirit Indestructible, worthy of a worldwide star. Listeners have to get there though.

With 18 songs on Spirit Indestructible, Furtado goes from hip hop, to a very pop sound, to other music inspired by different parts of the world. “The Most Beautiful Thing” sounds extremely close to Hindu mantras; the first few chords will definitely give the listeners that feeling. “Miracles” employs musical influences from southeastern Asian regions. “Believers (Arab Spring)” is clearly dedicated to the Middle East.

There are some worthy songs on Spirit Indestructible, but it seems like Furtado could easily produce two different albums, which would have enough work on both. If this happened, both releases would probably sound more consistent—one with hip hop influences and the other more of the original “world” edition.