Mandy Moore

Mandy Moore's self-titled effort... brilliant

Review Score:

(10/10)
Mandy Moore is a severely underrated pop artist. She is overshunned by Britney and "X-tina," but Mandy doesn't give a care. She does what she wants to do and gives no thought if it'll be a success or failure. That's something I never heard from her during her "Candy" days. And my thought was she matured amazingly faster than the other mentioned artists.

Mandy's self-titled album marked a change (as does most self-titled albums from different artists) in terms of sound and lyrical depth. The sound retains the R&B beat, but added here is Middle Eastern sounds. This is no ordinary pop album. It stands on its own. It's unique. And that makes it brilliant. The lyrics also sense a change in Mandy. Instead of delivering cheesy lyrics, its serious here. Talking more of love on a serious tone, some uplifting, and some sad. Mandy is no Britney clone (ironically, I find that Britney's self-titled album ripped off the Mid-Eastern sounds of this album.)

The first single (and first track) "In My Pocket" marked something unique in Mandy. It wasn't just the sound and lyrics, it was Mandy's singing. She improved drastically, which was the most surprising element of the album. Sure, it's not powerful like "X-tina" but Mandy's soft-spoken voice is something more intriguing than a lot of yelling. "Saturate Me" is Mandy's masterpiece. A softer paced ballad. The singing is incredible... the song is just... beautiful. "One Sided Love" has that Arabic-like sound permeating throughout the track. "17" is something that a lot of teenagers could relate to. "Cry" is the popular track here... Mandy's voice, again, is great, and the lyrics... just amazing, especially for a pop track. So many songs on here... *le sigh* they're all brilliant, hence my rating of 5 stars.

Forget the likes of Britney and "X-tina." Mandy Moore is real, and her music/albums are all the pop I need. Each track holds a special meaning, no matter how "cheesy" they may seem to the casual listener.

Just think... this is all coming from a guy that listens to rock and metal...

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