Nelly Furtado Dazzles on New Darkchild-Produced Single, Fifth Studio Album Out June 19th

WHOA Nelly Furtado! You've done it again.  Your new single, "Big Hoops (Bigger The Better)" is hot.  Had I reviewed the single immediately after the first listen, I might be singing a different tune, but after having the song on repeat for the past hour, you've managed to swing my vote.  Serving as the first single off Furtado's upcoming fifth studio album, The Spirit Indestructible, the Darkchild-produced "Big Hoops (Bigger The Better)" was co-written by Furtado.

While not as catchy as past singles, "Big Hoops (Bigger The Better)" seems to be a natural musical progression, therefore securing Furtado's place as an ever-contemporary, relevant and still evolving artist.  Darkchild's trademark dark funky beats are present throughout, adding plenty of atmosphere and character to the track.  At times "Big Hoops (Bigger The Better)" sounds like it could easily be mistaken for a a track from Furtado's 2006 Billboard #1 Loose, if it weren't for the drum & bass breakdown at the 3:15 mark.  While some artists appear be cashing in on the dubstep craze of late, Furtado's track subtly takes advantage without hitting us over the heat with it.  While I haven't heard any more of the album at this point, "Big Hoops (Bigger The Better)" seems like the right choice for a lead single.  Does it showcase Furtado's impressive vocal talent? Not really.  Does it showcase Furtado's abilities as a fresh, modern songwriter with a knack for landing a catchy hook? Sort of, although we've definitely heard better. Is it a fun, summer club track? Yes, I think it is. 

"Big Hoops (Bigger The Better)" was released April 17th in North America (UK, June 3rd) and is scheduled to hit radio May 1st.  As I said, it's the lead single off Furtado's fifth studio effort, The Spirit Indestructible, due June 19th on Geffen Records.  The album features Furtado as co-writer on every track, working alongside a bevvy of impressive collaborators, including Salaam Remi (Amy Winehouse, Nas), Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins (Michael Jackson, Lady Gaga), Bob Rock (Metallica, Aerosmith), Dutch DJ/producer Tiësto, John Shanks (Michelle Branch, Kelly Clarkson), and Jamaican reggae producer Da Genius (Kid Cudi).  The album's deluxe version will feature bonus tracks produced by Fraser T Smith (Adele, Jennifer Hudson), Passion Pit lead singer/producer Mike Angelakos as well as a track featuring the Kenyan Boys Choir produced by Furtado herself.  Sounds like quite an eclectic mix of genres and styles.  While that sort of mix can work as an asset, if the album doesn't have a flow it could be a problem.  At this point, Furtado is a proven pro so I'm expecting big things here.

“I began writing these songs around the time I released my Spanish album Mi Plan,” Furtado says. “I was in a great headspace, feeling refreshed and ready to really deliver in English again. This album is all about positivity, youth, good energy, and the relentlessness of the spirit. I want people to live this music the way we did when we wrote it. I want them to jump, dance, scream, laugh, cry, love, and vibe to it, and to turn it up very loud everywhere.”

 The Spirit Indestructible is Nelly Furtado's first English-language album since 2006's double-platinum selling Loose, which debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 chart.  The album went on to be certified multi-platinum in 32 countries with 10 million copies sold all over the world.  That album spawned three hit singles, including two U.S. #1's "Promiscuous," and "Say It Right," both of which earned Furtado Grammy nods.  2009's Spanish-language album Mi Plan became Furtado's fourth Top 40 album on the Billboard 200 and spawned two hit singles on the Billboard Latin charts, "Manos al Aire" and "Más."  Furtado released a new single, "Night Is Young," in October 2010 off her 'Best Of' compilation .

Make sure you download the new single today (U.S. iTunes) and stay tuned for news on the "Big Hoops (Bigger The Better)" video premiere.  Download the rest of Nelly Furtado's discography BELOW and check out the lyric video for "Big Hoops (Bigger The Better)."

iTunes US

iTunes UK

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