Colbie is a Sweetheart..............
Robert C. Hufford | Hopewell, VA USA | 11/13/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"...but I have to admit to some mixed feelings. Don't get me wrong; it's a great album, and one that makes us feel good...some singers uplift, some depress, and some merely inspire respect...any of those can get five stars, but I prefer to be happy, and Colbie can always supply that. She makes us feel good even when she has to touch feel bad subjects like "Midnight Bottle". What's more, she not only has a sexy voice, but you can actually understand the lyrics...You Go, Girl!!
As to specifics...the first 12 cuts need no comment...we've heard them for the past year...they've built Colbie's fan following, and they're great. The final 8 tracks give us some welcome new material, and, though she didn't write it all herself, it has a bit more of a personal touch, with Colbie's heart a bit more exposed [though nothing even approaching Carly Simon's heart-on sleeve]. Listen to #13 "Tell Him" and the following "Brand New Me"--she's opening herself just a bit, and her music rocks [just a touch] harder than the previous offering. "Somethin' Special", made for the Olympics, is indeed. Bob Marley's "Turn Your Lights Down Low" is a live performance, and it quite well done..I don't care for much of Marley's work, but I like this. The record closes with alternative versions of "Magic" and the BIG HIT "Bubbly"...I really like what she did with "Magic", but will confess to a preference for the original on "Bubbly". "Tell Him", and the Marley number are listed as "live", but no obtrusive audience noise. Thank you.
Colbie is pretty girl with a fine voice; she's still a work in progress, still spreading her wings ["Hoy Me Voy" and "Turn..."]. She should only get better. Beautifully presented album...great pictures...great sound and instrumental support. Five Stars. OK. What's the gripe I mentioned above? Premium price record. Twenty cuts. Twelve of them every one of her fans have had for a year. Two are remixes. That leaves us essentially paying for six cuts...great songs they are, But. I don't mind, but I can see how somebody else might.
Colbie, I love you. You're wonderful. "Coco" is a fine album. Twice. Please give us a whole recording of new material."