Customer Reviews

No Place Like Bklyn

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

When I first heard lead single "Crowded", I was hella excited (or at least somewhate excited) about Jeannie Ortega's debut NO PLACE LIKE BKLYN. Unfortunately, upon the opportunity to hear the album before purchasing it, I can't help but to say not only was I extremely disappointed, I also have to say this is one of the worst albums I have heard so far this year. I don't like to trash any artist unfairly, but this debut should've been so much better and it falls into the cliche where the lead single is not only the best track on the entire album but also the only truly competent performance.

Usually, even an album that has bad tracks can stand on its own to an extent where production is concerned. That again is not the case on NO PLACE LIKE BRKLYN. Sure, "Crowded" is a production standout as well as the standout track and even the overproduced "Pay It" has an irresistable synth line, but otherwise, everything seems to fall into the "overproduced" territory. Also the genre that this album seeks to attack is unclear. You get the feeling that Hollywood Records (the wrong label for R&B, period) is trying to aim Ortega as a crossover artist. Unfortunately, that never comes off with NO PLACE LIKE BKLYN. Sure, there is a mesh of R&B, "reggaeton", pop, adult alt. pop/rock (via. "So Done"), but it never as a whole gels. The worst tracks have to be the "reggaeton" ones which not only sound the same but are the most overproduced of any tracks here.

What else flaws this album is that Ortega for the most part doesn't have an impressive voice. After the exceptional opening track and lead single "Crowded" (which Ortega sounds very good on, harking on great), along with the overproduction Ortega's coarse vocals fall off as well. She manages on the somewhat fun "Pay It" and even carries herself on track "So Done", but otherwise Ortega never achieves vocal perfection. Many times, you feel that Ortega is going to give more and she falls short; in other words, there is a "remnant" of a memorable, well rounded R&B performance. Also, for R&B to be Ortega's overall genre for the album, she doesn't emote the raw emotion or essence of R&B music. Even pop (which has an urban aspect as well) calls for certain vocal aerobics and nuances that color the performance. Ortega stretches out a bit at times, but not enough to impress.

I mention "Crowded" often because "Crowded" is the blueprint for what all of NO PLACE LIKE BKLYN should've been. Papoose proves that he could be a devastating artist in the rap world with his killer verse. Ortega sounds on "Crowded" the best that she will sound on the entire album, which is very unfortunate and disappointing. "Pay It" isn't a bad, bad track, but it is overproduced with too many synthesizer loops and overall uninspired songwriting. The chorus is catchy of course, and Ortega sounds OK here. "Green I'z" is one of the first uninspired attempts at reggae/reggaeton. It fails miserably and leaves you the listener with a feeling of "so what?" "Can U", track 4 brings the third rap collaboration of the album, too many only 4 tracks into the album. Also, with the exception of the standout performance of Papoose on "Crowded", the rap cameos just don't enhance already bland performances. "Can U" does tend to be average compared to more mediocre tracks with very cool brass falls contained within the production. Within the first half of the album, "So Done" is the last track that has at least some potential to be a great track. While it is average, it is also out of place because you don't expect an adult-alt pop/rock song on an R&B based album or even a pop based album. It probably is in the long run the second or third strongest track on BKLYN.

The second half of the album sinks the already sunken ship. There is truly nothing that stands out. Production continues to sink with reggae/reggaeton disasters "Let It Go" and the extremely long (5 minutes) and painfully repetitive "It's R Time". "It's R Time" is clearly the worst track on the album. "What I Need", "Bling", and "Hear Me" are also floptastic, though not nearly as bad as "It's R Time". The last track, "Don't Stop" isn't good, but it is better than everything else in the second half of the album and Ortega even sounds a bit better here.

Overall, there are a ton of things wrong with not only NO PLACE LIKE BKLYN and Ortega herself. First of all, Hollywood is not the choice record company for R&B influence/pop albums; Hollywood is best for marketing adult-alt pop, teen-pop like standouts Jesse McCartney and Hilary Duff. In other words, Ortega may have been better served at another label. Next, Ortega herself needs to work vocally to mature as an artist; she isn't quite ready to be a recording artist as NO PLACE LIKE BKLYN evidences. Third, next time around if there is a next time, Ortega needs better more competent producers because the production work here seems very generic and below par. Therefore, I cannot give this album a satisfactory rating. Better luck next time Jeannie. 1.5 stars.

This is an average debut from Jeannie. The songs are okay but lack any real substance. They are good to listen to for entertainment but you can't get much from them other than that. Jeannie is young, so this is not bad when you consider that detail. She needs to work on her song writing skills and get some better production. Her vocals are nice though, they help save the album. Overall, Jeannie has a long way to go as an artist. Some songs to note are: Crowded, So Done, and Hear Me.

Jeannie isn't very distinct when it comes to pop - the songs are all about relationships, in a strong diva-like voice (like a less powerful Agulera, or a more "street" sounding J.Lo) -- the hooks are catchy, and the lyrics are sweet. Standout tracks are "Crowded," "Pay It," "It's R Time." Urban beats with great hooks. (Well, not really "urban" but you know what I mean!)

Jeannie Ortega's debut album-No Place like Bklyn-is fresh and rythmic. It has a pop/R&B feel to the album. Jeannie has a great voice which adds softness to the songs.Overall i tink this album is good, though it could have been better.

Jeannie is a great singer. I'm not sure if she writes her own material, but if so...then it's not bad. Could be better. Her voice is interesting. It's kind of deep actually, but still girlishly cute. I hope her sophmore album will be better. The production on the album is pretty good. I think I would prefer to hear her work with Scott Storch and Timbalind.

This album is wack! I listened to it on AOL Listening Party, and honestly she lacks what she is trying to bring. Jeannie Ortega's best song (the only good song on the CD) "Crowded", which so happens to be her first single. She came out with "So Done", which sounds like a JoJo "Leave (Get Out)" rip-off!!! Jeannie is really a tacky singer, her "Green Iz" song is lame, it makes me laugh. She is trying POP/RAGGAE (WHICH SHE SUCKS AT), AND A LITTLE BIT OF ALTERNATIVE/R&B. Her album only debuted at No. 127 on Billboards, which shows right there that she isnt good. I mean The Cheetah Girls are doing way better than she is, even Raven-Symone (who are label mates). But Jeannie Ortega is crappy, if you want to ride in your car with this stuff blazzin', make sure you have your windows rolled up TIGHT!!!!!

Jeannie Ortega is another one of those artists that I was introduced to while watching MTV Hits. She also unfortunately is one of those Latin artists that slipped through the cracks (how many people do you know that bought Marcos Hernandez's album?). And after listening to Jeannie's album No Place Like Bklyn, I think I understand why.

It's not that Jeannie is all looks and no talent, but to me there really isn't a whole lot to offer on here. The only songs that really stand out to me are "What I Need" and the necessary Latin posse cut, "It's R Time" (with N.O.R.E. and a few other rappers). But guest rappers don't always shine, as Papoose can't even save "Crowded"; and some guy called Kovaz delivers an average verse in an already senseless "Pay It".

Song ideas are also a flaw. "Bling" has Jeannie berating a guy who just fronts with all his bling, and at one point she talks about the guy living with his mother, which is ironic because earlier on the album in "Can U", she asks her boyfriend to come over because her parents aren't home. Anyway, while I wouldn't necessarily agree with the reviewer that said that Jeannie doesn't have a strong voice, that DOES show during the chorus to "Hear Me", which contradicts the theme of the following track, "Don't Stop". And "Green I'z" (eyes) is lame.

Jeannie Ortega is young, so she still has a ways to go yet before she can make it in the game, but No Place Like Bklyn is still an average album at best. Let's see how her second album is first.

Anthony Rupert

this cd is awesome the songs are catchy & jeannie has a great voice overall a great debut

The "NEW" CD by Jeannie Ortega is FRESH & Rhythmic ! It's for the listener who wants to hear "a complete singer". The only thing "overproduced" on this CD is "nothing at all". This young lady is from the streets of Brooklyn, New York City and "HIT THE NAIL on the HEAD" with "what's up" & "what we want to hear out here" in the Big Apple. Great CD !
* Again: Some reviews come from areas that have other tastes in style & little knowledge about music. This is "NEW YORK SOUND" at it's best ! Salsa Creations

Perfect blend of Reggetone and R&B. I love every track! I was going to list my absolute favorites but it's practically the whole album so that was pointless. Buy this CD!