Search - Mya :: Beauty & The Streets: Mixtape 1

Mya has returned

S. B. Reid | Jamaica | 10/04/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The album is better than I expected. Some songs I already knew of... "Blackout", "$ Can't Buy My Love", "Boss", "About My B.I." and "The Only One" (which was redone).



But believe me...this is a very honest mixtape and it brings together wonderful elements of Mya's artistry. She is very versatile in her vocal delivery and she sings with such wonderful sass it's great.



The beginning of the album may be a bit much for some...those who are not used to Mya being as hood...with the Hip-Hop influenced anthems but as the album progresses into more R&B type songs even mixing other genres such as the rock inspired "Control Freak" it is clear that this is not your average mixtape.



My standout favourites include:



"I'm Back" a good way to reintroduce herself while addressing the typical haters.

"About My B.I."

"Boss"

"Ponytail" a wonderful female anthem with up and coming rapper Nicki Minaj

"Control Freak" the most cross over appeal track in my opinion. Mya is very decisive in being the woman in control. Love, love the rock flavoured song. I could see a video for this.

"Club Go Crazy" this would be a wonderful way to reintroduce Mya, the dancer. Very uptempo featuring Chamillionaire. I could see Mya tearing up on this.

"Manaholic". A very smart track and executed well in true Mya style. I love how this song is done from start to finish.

"Go hard or Go Home". Mya sounds great!! Her vocal growth is most evident here. At 4:50 you hear a wonderful whistle register. Mya's voice now is controlled, confident and masterful in delivery of her sound.

"Blackout" though we heard this before and it was suggested for Rihanna, I hoped Mya would've kept it for herself as Rihanna lacks the swagger for that type of song. Mya did well.



Worthy mentions...smooth R&B jam "Work It Out" and tongue in cheek "Now or Lata".



The album could have done without recycled "$ Can't Buy Me Love" from the "Sugar and Spice" sessions and admittedly "Show Me Something" while decent shouldn't have been a single at all.



What I love about the album though...it is not 100% gutter...what it is is 100% real and raw because it considered "Explicit" but believe me this is a solid effort from Mya. I am impressed and dying to see what else she has in her arsenal.



She seems to have managed to find a good source of underground producers that work with her sound. Her going independent has not lessened the appeal of MYA MUSIC. It is now stronger than ever.



I am looking for the Studio album. From slow jams to uptempos, "Beauty & The Streets" is rated GREAT by me."