After Nelly Furtado’s well-received hippie chick debut Whoa, Nelly! in 2001, a dance-diva transformation caught many fans off-guard. Nevertheless, 2006’s sexually charged Loose revived the singer-songwriter’s career and established Furtado as one of the most unique artists of the decade. Her ability to reinvent herself and slide effortlessly in and out of various genres allowed her to remain relevant and creative in her music.
While her 2009 release Mi Plan proved a resounding success on the Billboard Latin charts, her English follow-up to Loose, The Spirit Indestructible, failed to garner the same traction. After this release, Furtado retreated from the limelight to focus more on herself and other projects that sparked her interest. Now She’s re-emerged with “The Ride,” an overall departure from her previous work and one that showcases Furtado’s growth as an artist, both lyrically and musically. With the help of producer John Congleton and musician, producer, and songwriter Dev Hynes, she calls this “her hangover record”:
“I’m excited that the lyrics have a lot of weight because I feel like I’ve genuinely matured. I’m calling it my ‘hangover album’: The party was fun, but then you crash on the ground and wake up the next day and feel kind of cool but have stuff to deal with. That’s what all the songs are about.”
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Furtado’s experimentation with different genres is evident in songs like “Pipe Dreams” and “Paris Sun.” These tracks have a more electronic sound, with pulsating beats and atmospheric production. Furtado’s vocals effortlessly glide over the intricate layers of instrumentation, creating a captivating listening experience.
Regarding the former, Ms. Furtado remarked in an interview, “I was actually in Kenya when I wrote the song. When I was walking with a big canister of water on my back, I started writing ‘Pipe Dreams.’ It was basically, don’t give me your artificialness — it could play into friendship, lovers, or anything. Don’t give me the watered-down version of you. I want the real you. I’ve been working with many artists from Dallas, and we have this sunflower symbol with swords on it, which is sort of the perfect symbol for the record, because life, when it is at its most beautiful, is at its most painful.”
The nuances of the Hammond B3 really give the song warmth, and the lyrics reveal her need for authenticity in any relationship she enters. The DIY nature of the song’s music video goes wonderfully with its sound.
One of the standout tracks on the album is “Cold Hard Truth,” a slice of funk that showcases Furtado’s vulnerable side. The lyrics are introspective and relatable, with Furtado baring her soul and examining her truths. The melody, chunky bass, subtle nods to old-school funk, and Furtado’s passionate vocals make this track an instant favorite.
Another notable entry on the album is “Magic,” a catchy and upbeat song with echoes of 80s synthpop. Complementing the infectious chorus and energetic production is Furtado’s pop-style vocal delivery. Lyrically, the piece explores how one person in a relationship can bail, leaving the other to question how he falls out of love so easily and leads to such embarrassing and often humorous things as drunk dialing. There is no deeper meaning here. It’s a simple and fun song about something most of us have been through.
As the title suggests, “Flatline” uses a sample of a heartbeat from a vitals monitor to boost the allusion to intensive care after a heartbreak. Compared to the sparse production of the opening track, this one adds more layers to the sound. Nelly relates the carnage of a medical emergency to her need for mental care after this breakup, “I call for backup, this is bad/I’m breathing, barely breathing/ My pulse is barely beating/ I don’t feel nothing at all/ Come on, resuscitate me/ Why don’t you come and save me?“
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It’s surprising “Sticks and Stones” didn’t drop as a single earlier. Furtado covers the Arlissa 2013 original, adding a distinctive EMD flavor while keeping the original tribal percussion. Nelly’s take is a highlight of the album. It matches her personal growth and happiness themes that permeate the record.
“Tap Dancing” is another refreshing tone change. Even though Furtado is still well within the realms of retro synthpop, it feels much smoother without the bite of the bass line. In interviews, Furtado discussed writing the song around learning tap dance. Her words inspire a much more earnest hope to find her happiness outside of performing without others’ approval. It’s a potent sentiment.
The final track, “Phoenix,” is the album’s strongest track. It’s a wash of calming synth pads and piano that washes over you like warm water. Nelly told Billboard this was the first track she started writing with John Congleton 3 years before the album’s release. You can hear the influences taking shape here. You can hear Furtado’s desire to begin anew, “Mother, just lay your head down/You’ve been burning both ends of the candle, and you’re done/It’s time to find your wings again and turn your face towards the sun.” This feels like her rebirth of creativity after years of chasing trends.
Overall, “The Ride” is a bold and reflective album that showcases Nelly Furtado’s evolution as an artist. With its diverse musical styles and thought-provoking lyrics, this album is a must-listen for longtime fans and newcomers alike. Furtado’s willingness to explore new territories and push boundaries makes “The Ride” a standout addition to her discography.
