Folklore [Extra tracks, Import, Limited Edition]

Nelly Furtado | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (May 2, 2005)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Format: Extra tracks, Import, Limited Edition
• Label: Universal Japan
• ASIN: B0007WZWO0
• In-Print Editions: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (203 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,291,959 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. One-Trick Pony

2. Powerless

3. Explode

4. Try

5. Fresh Off The Boat

6. Forza

7. Grass Is Green

8. Picture Perfect

9. Saturdays

10. Build You Up

11. Island Of Wonder

12. Childhood Dreams

13. Powerless - Alternative Acoustic Mix-

14. Try - Acoustic Version

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

On her second album, Nelly Furtado takes a hard left turn. The colorful but incomplete fusion of her debut, Whoa, Nelly!, gives way on the tellingly titled Folklore to an approach that lets in some acoustic sounds that take the music in an entirely different, richer direction. At times sounding like a dead ringer for singer-writer Sam Phillips (whose work colors each episode of the TV series "Gilmore Girls"), Furtado aims for more rock-oriented ground without losing the Brazilian influences that are so much a part of her identity. Her voice and tunes are strong, and both words and music paint a young woman still very much in movement, change, flux. It’s an intriguing sound, and one that thoughtful listeners will cherish. --Rickey Wright

Product Description

Includes bonus tracks "Powerless (Alternative Acoustic Mix)" and "Try (Acoustic Version)." Also includes CD-Extra video track "Powerless."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

47 of 50 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Hands Down The BEST Album Of 2003, December 31, 2003

By 

Busy Body (London, England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Folklore (Audio CD)

In January 2001 I heard a song called "I'm Like A Bird" on the radio for the first time. I found out that it was by a new Canadian talent called Nelly Furtado. The song became a huge hit, and her debut album "Whoa, Nelly!" became one of Britain's top sellers in 2001. I bought that album and totally fell in love with Furtado. Her voice, her lyrics, her sound, her style, her melodies, Hell even the album artwork was exquisite! The album became my favourite of 2001, and one of my all-time favourites. So it was with the release of Nelly's second studio album, "Folklore" that I waited with baited breath. However, I need not have worried.

Folklore is an even more fabulous album than her debut, which sees Nelly bridging the gap and breaking the boundaries between different cultures and their musical styles. She hooks up with Track & Field once more, who she worked with on her masterpiece first album, but they've taken a different approach here. Gone is the record-scratching production of her debut, replaced by a much more serious, worldly and mature feel. Nelly's first album relied on its lyrics, beats and instrumental qualities. Folklore does more of the same, but bends the rules a little. It's hard to describe, but it's not hard to imagine Nelly and her production duo picking up any object from the studio floor and turning it into an instrument.

The album opens with the fantastic "One Trick Pony." Here Nelly declares that she is indeed no one trick pony, and that she will be around for a very long time. I have no doubt in this statement, especially when you have a wonderful orchestra build up to open the song, provided by the Kronos Quartet. The album's lead single, "Powerless (Say What You Want)," is easily Nelly's best single to date. It surpasses "Turn Off The Light" easily, and goes on to become one of 2003's best songs in a world of overproduced teeny-bopper junk. "Explode" could definitely be a single. The lyrics are deep with references to burns, rape, drinking and violence. Nelly sings of the 'teenage waste' which is followed by a phenomenal rap. It's catchy as heck. Nothing more to be said.

"Try" is the first ballad of the album. Nelly sings of people and their great expectations of her. All she can do is try as they just stand there, wanting more from her. The chorus is majestic, and reaches its pinnacle when Nelly wails, "And that's you, baby/This is me, baby/We are, we are/We are, we are!" "Fresh Off The Boat" could fit in perfectly on Nelly's debut. With a mixture of vocals and random sounds, the song has a hectic sound to it, with a fantastic clap-ending and some foreign warbling. "For?a" is like the centrepiece of the album. With its tropical and sunny feel, the song has a wonderful opening verse, followed by a swaying chorus that you can just jump up and down to, while thumping your fist in the air! The song peaks, falls, and carries on rising towards its fantastic ending.

"The Grass Is Green" is undeniably one of the best songs Nelly has ever recorded. The song opens with a deep and tranquil beat. Incredibly captivating and exotic, the bass is actually deeper than the vocals. It's so striking and deep as the ocean. It's these songs by Nelly that paint images of Canada in my mind. The mountains and the fields. Incredibly refreshing. "Picture Perfect" is one of the album's best songs, and a brilliant ballad where Nelly's vocals just rise and rise every second on the majestic chorus. The verses are so catchy, and the drums add that much needed rock-anthem feel to it. "Saturdays" is the shortest song on the album, and serves as more of an interlude in its acoustic style. In the context it's a fantastic song about Nelly's life before being a singer when she was a hotel cleaner. Jarvis Church helps her out, by repeating everything she sings in a high-pitched style.

"Build You Up" opens with the beat right next to the speaker, pumping out its violins. Nelly sings of the media and jealous people who build you up, but tear you down once you achieve fame. It's an emotionally-charged song, and it adds more dimensions to Nelly's already vast perspective on life. "Island Of Wonder" features Caetano Veloso as a guest on vocals. Nelly's voice is so passionate in this song, and the chirping/whispering as the song closes makes it even more surreal and multi-cultural. "Childhood Dreams" closes the album, and in awesome style. This song has done things to me that no other song has ever had the power to do. At just over six and a half minutes long, it's a moving masterpiece. An orchestra opens the song in a classical style, before the soft beat seeps in. After a minute, Nelly begins singing, "I can't believe you need me/I never thought I would be needed for anything," in such a beautiful voice. The lyrics are powerful and heartfelt. It almost makes me cry. A perfect ending to a second masterpiece album.

OVERALL GRADE: 10/10

Nelly Furtado has crafted another superb album here. Folklore is hands down my favourite album of 2003. Some people are hating this album, but I can't see why. It's a fantastic achievement, and I am sure that I will be listening to this for years to come. Nelly Furtado is already one of my all-time favourite female artists. She has so much talent that it's unbelievable. She writes some fantastic lyrics, produces some of the most creative beats, has some of the catchiest melodies, has a gorgeous voice, and is just drop-dead beautiful in the process! A true talent, and I'm sure she's going to be around for a very long time. I look forward to her third album. She could take 10 years for all I care. It would still be worth the wait.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Album - Highly Recommended, December 10, 2003

By 

Timberwolf (Toronto, Ontario) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Folklore (Audio CD)

Make no mistake, Nelly Furtado's second album is one of the best -- if not the best -- albums of 2003. Folklore is a wonderfully thoughtful, highly polished, and absolutely vibrant album that is worth the price of admission.

One thing about Folklore -- and also Whoa, Nelly!, for that matter -- is that each song is unique. If one song doesn't appeal to you, chances are another one will. From the lush, dream-like quality of "Island of Wonder" and "Childhood Dreams" to the simple, yet profound tracks such as "Saturdays," Nelly Furtado demonstrates an excellent spectrum of her capabilities.

And yet, despite the diverse styles, the songs all come together perfectly. The consistency and continuity from track to track are unmistakable. One thing that never wanes is its quality. The themes and imageries in Folklore are something a lot of us can relate to. Something that speaks to us.

Music, then, has a way of communicating to and touching its audience. In that sense, Folklore embodies everything that "music" ought to be. A casual listen of Folklore may hook you with its unique sounds and rhythm. But that's merely scratching the surface. A serious listen undoubtedly provides a deeper, richer experience -- as an awesome mix of instruments complements Furtado's silky-smooth delivery; and her lyrics, syntax, and choice of words paint a colourful, beautiful picture.

I say this without reservations: Folklore is an intelligent album. You'll understand once you sit down and genuinely listen to it. The overall experience is one you should not pass up. Like the previous reviewer said: don't download this. Buy it. Obviously, this is my personal opinion, but for what it's worth, Folklore has my highest reccommendations.

Ultimately, if you take the time to really listen to Folklore -- following the lyrics, and paying attention to what Nelly Furtado is trying to express, you won't be disappointed with what the album has to offer. And who knows, it just may turn out to be your most cherished CD.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nelly's Forklore Rocks!!!, November 25, 2003

By 

K. J. Bryant "peachycream" - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Folklore (Audio CD)

This is one of the 5 cds that I have been waiting on this year. And Nelly did not disappoint me. I know a lot of people didn't like her first cd "Whoa, Nelly" because of her vocals and her music was so different. This time, the music sinks into you more easily. Some songs require more than one listening. But it's all worth it. Also her vocals have really matured and she sounds great. I love Canada for many things, but producing Nelly is one of the top reasons. Lets break it down:

1. One-Trick Pony- I really love this song. What an inspiring song about being yourself (no matter how different you may be). She uses a banjo on this song. How cool!

2. Powerless (Say What You Want)- as a black person, this song says so much to me. But the song is so universal that anybody can relate to it.

3. Explode- probably my 2nd favorite song. This song makes me dance and it talks about being teenagers and learning your lessons. I really love the beats and she is singing on this song.

4. Try - beautiful song about trying to be a good person because of another person. It continues the theme of growing up that's on this album.

5. Fresh Off the Boat- Nelly talks about her family leaving their native country for NA. She's proud of her culture.

6. Forga- I really love this song and the title is of her native language. Makes you dance.

7. Saturdays - a song about how she spent her childhood's Saturdays. I love the fact that its only her, a guitar and a backing soulful male singer.

8. Picture Perfect- the music is rather bluesy when it starts off and then just explodes with the chorus. IMO, the song talks about how some things are not what they appear to be.

9. The Grass Is Green- a good mid-temp rock song. I love this song, but not as much as I love the others.

10. Build You Up- Nelly has grown up a lot and you can tell with this song. She is talking about finding your soul mate and accepting both the good and bad about him. She's also talking about how people build you up to tear you down. I love the Latin sounds of this song.

11. Island of Wonder- wow!! This is favorite song on the album. She is singing with a Portuguese man (one of her idols and a music icon in Portugal) and their voices sounds amazing.

12. Childhood Dream- with a beautiful church organ playing in the background in the beginning and elsewhere. Nelly sings with so much passion on this song. A nice ending to this album.

Get this album and give it a chance.