1 Really Good Song, and....that's it

Hit 'Em Up Style is an incredible, infectious, addictive song. And Blu has a beautiful voice. For that I won't become one of those bitter people who 'wish they could give this album zero stars.' But it is the ONLY song worth listening to here. The rest is made up of incredibly dull and at times just plain depressing ballads. Just save your time and money and get the Hit Em Up single.

A truly slept-on R&B Classic!!!

There comes a time when a singer truly sings, while encompassing different elements of non-mainstream music, and then the album is released and the world really doesn't take notice. Such is the case of Blu Cantrell. She has the beauty, the voice, and the material on this album that really should have catapulted her to mega-stardom.



I initially bought this album when it first came out about three years ago, but never really got into it for whatever reason. I just dusted it off today and actually enjoyed it. This album is the epitome of a classic. Blu has elements of jazz, rap, R&B, gospel, blues, and a little rock on this album. She defines what good music really should be.



The song "Hit 'Em Up Style (Oops)" made the world really take notice to this woman. The single was quite catchy, and will definitely have you singing along. The video was played in heavy rotation in various music video outlets and was definitely the bomb female anthem. lol "One" has a seriously infectious hook with some serious upper-register harmonies that will have you take notice. "Waste My Time" is a nice number that will have you bopping your head. And watch out! Blu shows off her range on this song in the bridge, when she gets up there in the Mariah Carey range....it will take you by surprise at first listen and will make you say "damn!!" "So Blu" has the same feeling as Mary J. Blige's "No More Drama", with its inspirational feel, and it is sung well by Blu.



This album is full of ballads, but that is certainly not to its detriment. "I'll Find A Way" is probably the best song on the album vocally and production-wise. It is definitely the perfect ballad with a lovely piano intro and some strong vocals from Blu. "I Can't Believe" is a song that will invoke some feelings of melancholy, and Blu really sings as if she really is feeling the pain of the song. A beautiful ballad. "Till I'm Gone" has that old school feeling but still is enjoyable, and the vocals and delivery give you lots of feeling in this song. "When I Needed You" is another beautiful ballad that flows effortlessly as if it's being carried by the wind.



The only problem I have with this album is the song "Swingin'". It just didn't appeal to me even after a few listens. I was like, "no". Also, something isn't right with the chorus in "U Must B Crazy", even though the lyrics are tight.



I truly wish that this album wasn't as slept-on as it was. Granted, Blu Cantrell has made a name for herself, but if more people took notice to this album, her name would be more in people's mouths.

One of the best voices I've heard

Blu's voice is so unique and thick. She can actually sing, something that a lot of singers these days ironically lack. She hits the perfect notes and makes you want to listen, whether the song is interesting or not. You just want to hear her voice and hear the spectacular notes she can hit. Amazing first album. It's better than the second one.



Favorite songs:



I Can't Believe - Favorite song on the album. Extremely good vocal use and such a beautiful song.



I'll Find A Way - Second favorite song on the album. It's beautiful and her vocals are way out there.



Til I'm Gone - Looooove this song. It's so true and pure and beautiful.



When I Needed You - This is just an all around beautiful song.



So Blu - This song is different, it has great catchy lyrics, it's a great track.