Gotta Tell You

Samantha Mumba

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 31, 2000)
• Original Release Date: October 31, 2000
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Interscope Records
• ASIN: B000050HSG
• Also Available in: Audio Cassette
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (24 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #337,041 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com
Irish pop-R&B singer Samantha Mumba has tried to distance herself in interviews from the likes of her teenage peers Britney and 'N Sync. Unfortunately, her resistance to embrace that side of music has led to an album without a strong theme or voice to distinguish Samantha from the rest of the pack. Her voice is lovely, and songs like "Gotta Tell You," "Believe in Me," and the odd, Bowie-sampling "Body II Body" are frothy enough to pack the dance floor, while "Lately" swoons perfectly and "Isn't It Strange?" has a fantastic, swirling atmosphere reminiscent of a carnival. The rest is filler that always sounds vaguely like some other better-known song. Given stronger songs and production, Mumba (with her exotic looks and strong-but-not-showy vocals) will be a U.S. superstar. Until then, she'll just have to settle for being promising. --Ally Kearney

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Debut From A Future Diva, January 5, 2001

By	"d-moonshadow" (MA, United States) - See all my reviews

Many people described Miss Samantha Mumba as a combination of Britney Spears and Janet Jackson, and I think that is a very fair comparison, as Mumba has the teen appeal of Spears and the vocal maturity and presence of Jackson. Listening to this CD reaffirms that fact. "Gotta Tell You" is a super catchy slice of teen-pop with sly R&B undertones. "Body II Body" takes the R&B influence to the front of the mix and creates a super groove with rapid-fire vocals by Mumba. "Baby Come Over" is more of a pop track, reminiscent of the Backstreet Boys' latest CD. "Isn't It Strange" is my pick for the best track on this CD. A perfect pop song in every sense, with great vocals, compelling chord sequence, a beat with a groove, and great production. "Lately" is a cover of the song by Divine, which is itself a cover. One of the few less-than-average cuts on the CD. and it's STILL pretty good, though a little too recent for a cover. "What's It Gonna Be" brings back memories of early Britney Spears: R&B-lite combined with a great hook make for another great pop song, and the muted trumpet over the top gives it that extra spark. "Always Come Back To Your Love" is reminiscent of S.O.A.P., a female duo who had a hit a while ago with "We Like To Party". This is R&B with a dash of europop and American influence. "The Boy", produced by Terry Riley, is another low point on the CD. Riley has Mumba sounding like every other R&B singer out there, instead of trying to use her distinctive voice. The chorus hook lacks the same sticking power of other tracks on the CD. "Feelin' Is Right" has some more accoustic elements added to the Swedish pop-sound and an R&B edge. The verses on this one are a little dull, but the chorus is as good as typical Mumba. "Believe In Me" is the winner here for best ballad. Muted trumpet and Spanish guitar combine with Mumba's soulful vocal performance in a wonderful track...I would love to see her perform this live. "`Til Night Becomes Day" sounds like a follow up to "Isn't It Strange", with the same elements in a different way. Great vocals, great production, great arrangement, and great song. A perfect closer for the CD that is an excellent add to any collection.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars What a debut, November 5, 2000

By	stephen Garry (Manchester England) - See all my reviews

Samamtha Mumba is a name that many people hadnt heard of not long ago, but now its a name they wont forget in a hurry. She has produced an album full of top tracks. The album contains two uk top ten hits Gotta Tell You and Body To Body, and when you listen to the rest of the album you know that she is not going to be just a phase that will only last 5 minutes. Sam has the staying power to go the distance if she can continue releasing and producing top class singles and albums. Overall its a break from the norm and a refreshing change.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great Debut CD, November 1, 2000

By	J. Lau "jol20" (Honolulu, HI) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Samantha Mumba's debut album, "Gotta Tell You" is such a great album. Other than the big smash "Gotta Tell You" which is one of the best tracks on this album, other highlights include "Body To Body", which is a David Bowie remake with some groovy rhythms, and some light piano background. "Baby Come On Over" is also another good track. In fact, most of the tracks are pretty good. Although I do have to say some of the songs use Mumba's vocals not very much. I did not really like track 8, "Lose You Again", it seemed to stray away from the pop sound and turn full blast into an R&B song. Then there is another remake on the album, "Lately" which was a #1 hit for Divine, about 2 years ago. I think the album should have left this off because the song is too recent. The track seems to overbuild the original song. Also, I have noticed that the U.K. release of this album seems to have more tracks. Although 12 tracks is good enough, I wish they would have put those extra tracks on the U.S. release because Mumba does a really good job on her first album release. Recommended to all pop fans.