Nivea's Complicated: So Far from the Truth

I have to make a confession; I am a self-professed underachiever. I am a hard worker and I do believe in hard work but I am well aware of the fact that, in most things, I don’t work as hard as I know I could or should. I do not live up to my full potential. Call me a slacker if you must but I am well aware of the fact that I, in a sense, sell myself short.

Nivea is an underachiever as well. The sad thing is that she doesn’t realize it. Her claim to fame is singing the hook on Mystikal’s hit, “Danger”. It led to a record deal and the release of her failed debut single, “Don’t Mess With The Radio.” Almost a year later, she re-launched herself with the Grammy-nominated smash hit, “Don’t Mess With My Man”, followed by the release of her near-gold, self-titled debut album. 

A flawed release, it did manage to showcase Nivea’s talent in a positive light and hint at her unfulfilled potential. Potential and promise that many were anxious to see her live up to on her sophomore release. She had the looks, the vocals, the lyricist skills, even some of the moves; she seemed to have the whole package that was just waiting to be put to good use. 3 years, label drama, management drama, relationship drama, a husband and a baby later, Nivea poises to take her career to the next level with Complicated. Her formula for getting there, however, is far from that.

Intros are usually pointless but Rain actually serves some entertainment purpose. Nivea’s lovely vocals harmonize well against the sound of the falling rain as she recites a self-penned poem of how rain only brings about the sunshine in one’s life. A little corny but sweet and heartfelt.

It segues into the album’s only true ballad and title track, Complicated. Against slow, pensive production that creates a hushed, atmospheric vibe, Nivea utilizes a clipped vocal cadence well as she ponders how love and relationships aren’t complicated but how we complicate them. The guitar solo in the middle is pure genius and enhances the track’s genuine appeal.