Album Review: Nelly Furtado, "Loose" (Geffen)

Her 2000 debut's innocent hit, "Like a Bird," made Vancouver's barefoot hippie Nelly Furtado an international sensation. She was cute. She was likable.

That was then. Now 27, Furtado is all grown up, having traded in her Patchouli and pigtails for high heels and a penchant for dirty dancing. This is the Rated "R" Nelly Furtado.

The image trade-up is a big part of her third effort, "Loose." In its finest moments, the sexual energy on this album is undeniable. Producer Timbaland, whose work helped Justin Timberlake and Aaliyah become superstars, layers squirmy hooks atop dark rhythms that sound ripe for black lights, sweaty dance floors and blinking strobes. Opener "Afraid" is a classic I'm a Tough Chick anthem. "Glow" is deep boogie, with Furtado purring along to a croaky riff. "No Hay Igual" sees Furtado exploring her Latina roots with confidence.

But the hit "Promiscuous" is clearly the centerpiece of this album. Nowhere does Furtado sound more comfortable in her new incarnation than on the flashy cut. Her energy pulsates with firecracker sexuality, with Timbaland playing the perfect foil to her licentious disco diva.

Still, much of "Loose" just sounds bad--especially if you're older than, say, 14. "Maneater," a cousin to the Hall & Oates classic, is novel but uninspired, coming off as second-rate Gwen Stefani. The ballad "In God's Hands" must be a leftover from Furtado's hippie days. Lyrics have never been the singer's strength, and that is true on "Loose" too, with simple couplets popping up all over the place. "I know this is hard for you / I'm feeling it too," from "Wait For You," is one example. Then there's this from "Do It": "You're standing at the door / I'm falling to the floor." Whoa Nelly.

Clearly, Nelly Furtado is capitalizing on her newly-discovered hotness. And these days it seems washboard abs and the right production team can give any bird new wings, albeit "Loose" ones.