The sixth album from the Canadian singer matches giddy pop with a diverse range of styles
Irish people will enjoy a snicker at the title of the new Nelly Furtado album but it’s worth remembering that any number of firework acts could learn a thing or three from the Canadian singer. She broke through 17 years ago with her massive hit, the boho anthem I’m Like a Bird, and has quietly capitalised on her gift for pop melodies ever since.
She has called The Ride her “hangover album” and it’s as good as anything she has produced, combining zesty and snappy electro pop with her determined, almost predatory vocals and a diverse range of musical styles.
Opening track Cold Hard Truth takes John Congleton’s hyperactive production to giddy heights and throughout The Ride, rolling and languorous arrangements collide with the likes of the frankly loopy oscillations of Flatline, the industrial grind of Paris Sun, and the out of control Magic.
Carnival Games approaches Lana Del Rey territory but Furtado lacks the smoky fatalism. Album standout Pipe Dreams takes her way on down south with a soulful organ and gospel groove and while it may have been a bad move to end a super smart pop album with a lacklustre ballad called Phoenix, The Ride is worth the journey.
Alan Corr @corralan
