MP3 Essentials: Nelly Furtado Edition

Ten Songs that Are a Must Have for Nelly Furtado

When Nelly Furtado exploded onto the scene in 2000 the world was ready for a change. The late nineties had been ruled by pop stars who were far more packaged than prodigy and as a whole music fans were looking for something different. Listeners found it with Nelly Furtado. Blending numerous cultures, beats and sounds into something beyond the ordinary Furtado proved to be what music needed. She, along with Branch, Keys and Carlton revitalized the scene with talented singer-songwriters. Here are some of her best moments. These are the songs to make sure you have on your MP3 player.

1. Turn Off The Lights

A fascinating blend of R&B, folk and world music this song was the one that really convinced me of the talent Nelly Furtado possessed. The production is beautiful and Timbaland began his working relationship with Nelly on this stand out track from her debut album.

2. Say It Right

The winning team effort of Nelly Furtado and Timbaland happens again with this sleek, haunting and coolly sensual ballad. The beat pulses beautifully against the fairly stark synthesizers and her voice is distinctive as she sings of taking risks and the ambivalence of opening up and taking a chance in love. It's a wonderful song that keeps that Nelly Furtado distinctiveness but hones it for a pop savvy market.

3. Fresh Off The Boat

This song was such a funky and fresh cut off her second album (which was criminally ignored) that blends hip-hop ideas with her Portugese heritage. Her parents migrated from Sao Miguel Island to Toronto, Canada in the sixties and no doubt their stories have inspired this flavorful song. Most of the song consists of chants in Portugese but this doesn't take away from the determination and passion of the song. The emotion behind the song easily crosses the language barrier.

4. Promiscious