Many artists these days are eager to point out how their cultural background and ethnic heritage shaped them into the artists they are today. And, unlike most of them, you believe it when Nelly Furtado says it. Somehow she melds influences of folk, rock, pop, hip-hop, soul, Portuguese and other world sounds into one cohesive and intriguing mix. Right from the start it's undeniable how improved Furtado's vocals are.
Whoa, Nelly! was fun and feisty, but her voice from time to time could be grating and shrill.
Folklore re-introduces us to her, only this time she's grown into her voice and gives each song its own distinct personality. The energetic "One Trick Pony" starts the album off with its unique musical mix of banjo, mandolin, guitar, and the Kronos Quartet on violin, viola and cello. The opening verse features Furtado telling us that nobody can control, conform or ignore her, and those words have been uttered so many times in music recently that they've become rather empty to hear. But the song overcomes that by spinning an interesting and truthful account about fame. Furtado is determined not to be a "one trick pony," and she's well aware that means playing second fiddle to those that are.
See how that one trick story goes
If she weren't on time you'd never know
'Cause a one trick pony steals the show.
Isn't that the truth? Other issues relating to the entertainment industry weave their way throughout the album as well. "Powerless (Say What You Want)" is the percolating first single that has some fierce words for a dishonest media and the emotional love ballad "Try" could just as easily be interpreted as someone dealing with the pressures of living up to the expectations of their new-found celebrity. The guitar, piano and organ-accompanied "Build You Up" offers some encouraging words to a friend feeling insecure after hearing unkind things spoken about him and the wonderfully relaxed "Picture Perfect" focuses on two people eager to experience stardom. "Saturdays" is an acoustic one-take two-minute track featuring Jarvis Church enthusiastically echoing what she says, and "The Grass Is Green" speaks of leaving something good in search of something even better and then regretting it. "Island of Wonder" has an almost mystical quality and Caetano Veloso's vocals are simply mesmerizing. His is a voice that lets you know he has hours of stories and songs to share. "Childhood Dreams," recorded in a Los Angeles church, has a fabulous musical arrangement of organ, pipes, chimes, harp and guitar. It does feel slightly disjointed at first, but it quickly settles into a beautifully dreamy space with new mom Furtado singing about the little boy made for her in the stars. Folklore is consciously more serious than Furtado's previous work, and fans of Whoa, Nelly! may find that to be an unwelcome change. This music is ambitious and knows no boundaries, and for those willing to accept growth and a change in artistic direction, Folklore will be an intriguing listen they'll enjoy hearing time and time again.
