Blu's vocals are some of the finest in todays music market. It is so nice to see her first single "Hit Em Up Style (Oops!)" which is definitely beyond pop music norm is in the Billboard Top 10 on the Hot 100 Singles chart....How refreshing! A song with Oops! in it that has actually vocals, style and a refreshing jazz quality all its own.

Blu Cantrell definitely has her own style, sound that I just can't eject from my CD player.

A fantastic CD from beginning to end. Forget all the hoopla! about Alicia Keys who I feel is overrated. Get blue with Blu Cantrell and you will definitely won't be disappointed.

All the songs are strong - my favorites include the first single,
also "Swingin'", "Waste My Time" and "So Blu".

The Ella of our generation has arrived!


So Blu   February 1, 2003
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

This album took me completely by surprise, I was expecting her to be a one hit wonder after hearing "Hit Em Up Style (Oops!)", but I found a cheap copy of the album and thought I would give it a try. I was blown away.
The first thing you will notice about this album is that she has an incredible voice, very soulful and powerful. Her beats are flawless and very catchy and you will be hooked after one listen. Top tracks include "The One" which is an awesome upbeat track and the sounds of the storm mixed in with the song works very well. "I Can't Believe" is definitely one of the most emotional tracks on the album, in the bridge she sounds like she could burst into tears at any moment. "Waste My Time" is a stinging message to an ex-lover and L.O.'s rap is very cool.
Some people call this the album for the broken-hearted and this is a good description, she believes every word she sings, it's like she completely understands the way you're feeling and her music is somehow comforting. Sure, any singer can sing about heartbreak, but Blu does it in a way that I've never heard before.
What's even more incredible about this album is that she co-wrote most of the tracks. This impressive debut will ensure that Blu has a long and prosperous career.


SO BLU IS SO RIGHT........   October 9, 2001
mediaagent (New York, New York)
5 out of 5 found this review helpful

Listen, you either love her or you don't. Bottom line, girlfriend knows how to sing a heartbreaking song. (Well, second to Mary J., but Mary is livin it up at the moment, so somebody has to take over the hip hop blues).

Blu reminds you of a hip hop verson of Bessie Smith. Strong and rough, but she tugs the heartstrings. If you went through a period of hurt, whether it is in the past or present, you can feel it when Blu sings about it. She's no Alicia Keys, but hey, she's not supposed to be. She's Blu. Blu's style, Blu's way, Blu's songs.

Unfortunately, because radio(especially NY radio) does not play anything worthwile these days, (minus the neosoul of Jill Scott, Maxwell, Musiq Soulchild, Bilal, etc), you cannot be good. Blu is just displaying the hurt and anger we have all felt when we have been involved in a love gone bad. If you want a more adult hip-hop contemporary album that packs a punch of love gone wrong, get Blu Cantrell. You will not be disappointed.


Buy This CD... You won't be Blu   July 31, 2001
robbie (NEW YORK, USA)
10 out of 12 found this review helpful

Facts about me: I buy new CD's almost every week. I always give new artists a chance and I always know about up and coming artists before anyone else. Its a hobby, I love it.
The first time I heard "Hit Em Up Style" back in April, i knew that the song was going to be a major hit. Now, a few months later, I am glad to see the album release of this beautiful young rising star. Not all the songs on this CD have that jazz fused with R&B sound, as a matter of fact, there is only two songs that are like that. But thats good, the CD shows diversity in the R&B genre. The ballads "I'll Find A Way" and "I Can't Believe" are awesome. Ms. Cantrell has an amazing and powerful voice that will keep you satisfied track after track. Producers include Dallas Austin, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, and Redzone. The CD also includes all the lyrics to every song and a biography of how Blu got started in the music industry. While there is nothing as stellar as "Hit Em Up Style" on this album, there are 13 great tracks. Definitely worth every penny I spent on it.
I am going to see Blu Cantrell live on Aug 18th at a radio show... and I am definitely looking forward to it. What a talent! Don't pass it up!


One of the best voices I've heard   January 29, 2005
Blu and Beyonce Lover (LBC, CA)
4 out of 4 found this review helpful

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.