Rhianna is simply a true, fresh, ORIGINAL talent!!
Larry Davis | NYC/Long Island, NY | 01/15/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"First off, Rhianna, from Leeds, UK, is one to watch in 2003. Sony/Epic BETTER make her top priority here in America, as people here seem to want someone new and different. She's got the songs and a style with some familiar elements, yet delivered in a cool, original way. She also has a fresh look about her, sort of a 21st century hippie, but in a great way. Rhianna comes across as a positive role model too.I would describe Rhianna's music as catchy soulful pop, delivered through a filter of loungey bachelor pad sounds. REALLY cool, and the album is amazingly well produced too. I was like, WOAH!! Her voice is sorta like Diana Ross, but youthful as well. The first single, "Oh Baby", reminds me of Gregg Alexander/New Radicals so much that I am shocked he had nothing to do with Rhianna's record!! Her lyrics are really direct, original, and not cliched, insightful even!! Check out "Justify" for proof. Oh, and "Girlfriend" has GOTTA be one of the most ADORABLE pop tunes I have EVER heard in my life!! Sounds like a smash too. Her Stevie Wonder cover is splendid as well, "I Love Every Little Thing About You". All in all, 10 gems, plus 2 swell remixes, one of "Oh Baby", and the other of "Word Love".In the end, my fave newcomer of 2002, FLAT OUT!! Come to America, Rhianna!! We NEED people like you over here to show bimbos like Britney how things SHOULD be done!!"
1st hand experience
Shout boy | Alicante, Spain | 08/18/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I was one of the recording engineers for this album and was therefore witness to the raw talent of this neat little singer and the incredible brother sister song writing skills. This family connection backed up with the decks, samples and sonic guitar sounds of the rest of the band make this album a must in any CD collection.
This album was originally recorded with retro sound equipment in a small dark damp and dingy studio in the east of london without a protools set up in sight! Lee and Rhianna arrived early in the morning and started writing. The song would be written with an incredible sounding rough mix by the afternoon.
Buy it believe me it will blow your mind!!!!"
Track Listings (12) - Disc #1