Singles Reviews

Maneater - Nelly Furtado (4/5)

While Americans are getting drunk on Furtado's brilliant "Promiscuous," Brits instead get "Maneater," a good track--great in fact--but not as much fun as "Promiscuous." The Hip-hop and '80s influences are present here too, but the harsh beats aren't as enjoyable as the hyperactive percussion of "Promiscuous." Certainly both tracks will be the second single where they haven't yet been released.

All Over Again - Ronan Keating Featuring Kate Rusby (2.5/5)

Accomplished and bombastic as expected. It sounds country, but I cannot confirm that like his other hits (When You Say Nothing At All, If Tomorrow Never Comes, We've Got Tonight, I Hope You Dance) whether or not it is actually a country remake. I don't know who Kate Rusby is, but she's no Lulu, so there's another strike against this already. Ronan is now 7 years past Boyzone, but still hasn't moved passed karaoke.

She Moves in Her Own Way - The Kooks (4/5)

Another winner from the Kooks. Anyone heard about them? "Naive" was cool, and this is too, a good dose of retro-rock swagger and hand claps.

Hips Don't Lie - Shakira Featuring Wyclef Jean (4.5/5)

After a regrettable delay, iTunes finally added this for sale this week--hence I get to listen over and over and review for you. Well, Shakira has finally put out a single I like. It's fun, great beat, great hooks, interesting horns and hip-hop influences. "She makes a man want to speak Spanish," as the guest rapper says. Makes up for the disappointing "Don't Bother."

Bright Idea - Orson (4.5/5)

Orson is turning out to be the second-coolest new band of 2006 (The Feeling is still my favorite). Yes cool, despite the fact that no one in the band is under 30, and they profess to making "soft rock." They're from LA, but like the Scissor Sisters and the Killers, are building their popularity in Britain before hitting the U.S. This track is just a great as their #1 hit, "No Tomorrow." It's guitar-driven rock with a great chorus. What more could one want for a hot May day?

World at Your Feet (The Official England Song for World Cup 2006) - Embrace (3.5/5)

Embrace was both fortunate and unfortunate to be chosen to record this year's England World Cup anthem. A great honor yes, but coming right after they released their great album, This New Day, I can't help but feel it's a bit of a distraction. It's good, but not as good as the singles waiting in the wings but were delayed so this could come out instead. Sounds like typical Embrace--big sound, big guitars, choir-backed chorus, etc.

Upside Down - Jack Johnson (4/5)

Jack Johnson is adorable. Curious George is sweet. Despite the fact that pairing them might make one want to wretch, this is actually a really great treat. It's a breazy dose of Caribbean beach time joy. Where's my pina colada? The simple instrumentation makes Jack's vocals and guitars really shine.

Not Ready to Make Nice - Dixie Chicks (4/5)

Good for them! Green Day records a whole album bashing Bush and the war and they win an armload of Grammies. Dixie Chicks make 1 political comment against Bush during a concert and receive a shunning. It's nice to seem them not pander to such treatment and stand up for themselves. Moving past the politics, it's a pretty song too. Dark, haunting, with bass piano chords, strings, and great vocals. Is this really country? Sounds like pop to me.

Borderline - Jody Watley (4/5)

Jody Watley came onto the scene in the late '80s, scored 6 top 10 hits, won the Best New Artist Grammy (a jinxed award), and then was never heard from again. What's an has been '80s pop star to do? She could A) throw in the towel, B) resign herself to playing weddings and bar mitzvahs, or C) steal a hit from one of her '80s pop star peers that actually managed to keep her spotlight. Choosing C, wisely, Jody Watley has taken Madonna's first top 10 hit, given it a mellow, soulful twist, and re-emerged with something quite enjoyable that may return her to the spotlight, or at the very least, give her something to do other than appearing at elementary schools touting the importance of music education.