Nelly Furtado takes us for a spin with a bouncy, beaty Ride [Review]
The strutty electro beat and grimy bass line of Cold Hard Truth set the tone of Nelly Furtado’s sixth album The Ride. Furtado delivers assertive vocals over many layers of synths, and continues this direct style on Live, with its catchy chorus and snappy claps. Flatline has a similar gritty feel, as does Paris Sun – a slightly haunting (but less pounding) version of her chart-topper Maneater.
Magic has a Europop sound, thanks to its vocal harmonies, and the catchy sing-along chorus on the electro Sticks And Stones could be a single from Of Monsters And Men.
All these songs are pretty strong and consistent, but the album highlight is clearly Palaces, which flows perfectly with infectious melodies, and the powerful refrain: “Break free from the chains”.
The Ride shows Furtado staying current without losing any integrity. Despite battling a few demons along the way, she finishes the album with the atmospheric and optimistic Phoenix, and with the uplifting line, “You’re gonna be alright”. Let’s hope it’s not too long before Furtado rises again.