Tamia's sophomore effort begins with the singer's crisp, angelic voice a cappella, wrapped around a mournful interlude about a relationship gone awry. It's a gorgeous intro, and put there perhaps to remind listeners that t... more »he 24-year-old vocalist from Windsor, Canada, can sing like nobody's business when given the opportunity. Unfortunately, most of the tracks on A Nu Day deny Tamia the chance, with ho-hum, practically rote R&B fare produced, surprisingly, by some of the best in the biz. When Missy Elliott brings her production skills to the table on the album's first single, "Can't Go for That" (Elliott also produces four other cuts), it's as if the tune is running on automatic, with all of Elliott's stop-start, jerk-heavy rhythms running listlessly beneath a sample of the Hall and Oates song of the same name. "Tell Me Who," a collaboration with producer Shep Crawford, fares better, managing to capture a sassy, straight-up feel reminiscent of early En Vogue. The album offers a pleasant surprise, however, with a cover of the 1983 DeBarge tune, "Love Me in a Special Way," on which Tamia works wonders, her sonorous mezzo soprano digging soulfully into the soaring melody. --Sylvia W. Chan« less
Tamia's sophomore effort begins with the singer's crisp, angelic voice a cappella, wrapped around a mournful interlude about a relationship gone awry. It's a gorgeous intro, and put there perhaps to remind listeners that the 24-year-old vocalist from Windsor, Canada, can sing like nobody's business when given the opportunity. Unfortunately, most of the tracks on A Nu Day deny Tamia the chance, with ho-hum, practically rote R&B fare produced, surprisingly, by some of the best in the biz. When Missy Elliott brings her production skills to the table on the album's first single, "Can't Go for That" (Elliott also produces four other cuts), it's as if the tune is running on automatic, with all of Elliott's stop-start, jerk-heavy rhythms running listlessly beneath a sample of the Hall and Oates song of the same name. "Tell Me Who," a collaboration with producer Shep Crawford, fares better, managing to capture a sassy, straight-up feel reminiscent of early En Vogue. The album offers a pleasant surprise, however, with a cover of the 1983 DeBarge tune, "Love Me in a Special Way," on which Tamia works wonders, her sonorous mezzo soprano digging soulfully into the soaring melody. --Sylvia W. Chan
"Tamia's first album is one of my favorites. She is an awesome singer. That said, this album is disappointing. If you like the R&B that is popular nowadays, you will like this album. Most of it is mid-tempo, with programmed rhythm, and lacking in melody. Her biggest asset, her voice, is wasted. The closest she comes to singing is on Stranger in My House, a so-so song.The songs are nothing great. None really stand out. By the end, they all pretty much sounded the same. The guest rappers are annoying, mostly because I would rather be listening to HER. And since there are no lyrics included, there are some phrases that will forever be a mystery.She is still one of my favorites, though."
Lots of potential , good, but not great
chinanoir | detroit, mi United States | 01/07/2001
(3 out of 5 stars)
"Tamia really needs to work with better producers. Shep Crawford was the only one able to capture the essence of her voice in any sort of way. Dallas Austin and Missy Elliot are big names, but they don't really do anthing for Tamia's voice or singing syle. Elliot's best contribution is "Can't no Man". The lyrics are pretty simple, but Tamia's singing and cooing saves it. "Long Distance Love" just plain, bad lyrics and "Go" needs to go. (I don't know how it made the cut) Whose idea was it to include this song? "Dear John" is catchy and bouncy. "uuh to you" has dance club potential. Best songs: "Stranger in my House"(just a kinda clever, drama induced, tell a story type of song, and Tamia gets a little theatrical toward the end) "Love me in a Special Way" (just the way her voice takes off and soars , plus the words are great) and "If I were you" (a very pretty, tender sort of ballad). I think Tamia's best work or shall I say best "album" is ahead of her. She is definitely on her way."
Such a disappointment...
chinanoir | 12/31/2000
(2 out of 5 stars)
"Words cannot express how disappointed I am with this CD. I have Tamia's first CD, and I totally love it and I have friends that love it. I was really proud of myself for just deciding to pick up that CD. Well, I thought it would be the same with this CD, although I was a little hesitant when I read how many hands Tamia decided to have up in this pot, called A Nu Day. But I told myself, well her voice will save it. NOT! I want my money back. I mean it. The only song I will play off this CD is Stranger in My House. This song brings back memories of Tamia's debut CD. Incredible vocals, the whole thing. But everything else...sucks, sorry to say. "Go" is ridiculously annoying, the other two or so tracks before that are forgettable. "Love Me in a Special Way" is aiight, no big deal, "Long Distance Love" had me running to my radio to press fast forward. At first I thought this song would be okay until I got the rundown of all the telephone companies. Whoever wrote that song should have never admitted it. The other songs are nothing to write home to mom about. Though "If I Were You" is listenable, Tamia has done better ballads than that. Boring. I am so disappointed. I would give this CD one star, but I'll give it the two for Tamia's beautiful voice (which struggles to overcome this horrible material) and "Stranger in My House". That's a great song. Tamia, dear, call Quincy J."
She's awesome!
Randall Stevens | 02/20/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Great CD! Here is some facts about her:Tamia (Tamia Washington) went to Walkerville Collegiate Institute (High School) in Windsor, Ontario. That high school is like 5 minute walk from where I live.She graduated the same year as me, 1993. In her high school yearbook it is written beside her picture:"Tamia will be remembered as one of Walkerville's finest singers. Her favourite moments at Walkerville were the times she sang in front of the school. A special thank you is extended to Mr V. and Mrs Maynard. Tamia's message to graduates is "Follow Your Dreams". Tamia's probable destiny is to become Canada's answer to Whitney Houston"Pretty cool eh? Hey maybe their is hope for the rest of us yet!"
TAMIA's "A NU DAY" is worth a listen & will not disappoint
nrp4ever | phoenix, az United States | 11/04/2000
(4 out of 5 stars)
"When it comes to R&B slow jams and love ballads Tamia ranks up their with the likes of Whitney, Chante Moore, Toni Braxton and in some way surpasses her fellow R&B vocalist. On "A NU Day", Tamia takes off from the start. The "Interlude" definetly shows her vocal range is not to be messed with. Tracks like "Love Me in a Special Way" and "Stranger in MY House" are solid and enjoyable to the ear's. But the standout track on this CD is number 10: "Can't no Man" with Tamia's voice and a pretty laid back sexy track provided by Missy Elliot this song was in heavy rotation in the player. Other tracks on the album to take note of are 8: "Wanna Be", 9: "Un'h...To You and 13: Cant't go For That" Remix with the Dogg Father himself Snoop.Overall this is a pretty good sophmore effort by an experienced and vocally beautiful singer. Definitely worth the dollars spent."