· Introduction.
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Anastacia is a relatively new female soloist. Her debut album “Not That Kind” has gained her worldwide success and she can currently do no wrong! Her debut album combines the usual pop genre but also with a twist from her rather distinctive vocals which remind me of a young Tina Turner’s voice on time although I can’t stand that woman!

I was so eager to get this album when it came out but decided to wait a while longer to see how good the other releases were like. Finally after the third release, I had the chance to get a free CD with the ipoints that I had saved up and so I set out to see what I wanted to buy. The choice for me, were between 2 albums, they being “Not That Kind” and Nelly Furtado’s debut album “Whoa Nelly”. I came to the decision to get Anastacia’s album as I knew more songs from it and also I loved the song that was on the car advert on the television.

· The Releases.
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From her debut album, Anastacia has released a total of 4 singles from her album so far.

Release Date.
September 18th 2000 = Anastacia’s debut single “I’m Outta Love” it reached number ten in the UK.
October 2nd 2000 = Her debut Number one album was released. This stayed in the top 10 for ages.
January 22nd 2001 = The follow-up single also did well in the charts and was the albums namesake.
May 21st 2001 = The third single “Cowboy’s and Kisses” only managed to reach into the top 20.
August 13th = “Made for Lovin’ You” this also didn’t do as well in the charts only entering at number 25.

These details are from the UK releases, Anastacia has released some other tracks in other countries such as “Love is Alive” and also her American version of her album has two different tracks on it and we also have two differing tracks.

· The Album.
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+ Not That Kind {3:20}

The second single release and also the namesake to the album provides a great start. Beginning with a rather short intro from the twanging of a guitar, Anastacia’s distinctive vocals explode onto the scene. Various worthwhile effects are evident throughout on the guitars which provide a great accompaniment. As with usual ‘pop’ songs, Not that kind follows the pattern with a very strong and catchy chorus which will have many singing along to. 9/10

+ I’m Outta Love {4:02}

The first release and also one of the best track on the album, I’m Outta Love begins in a rather mellow way but gradually bursts open with ahhs from the lead singer followed by various instruments, some synthesised. The song has great beats and lyrics as well as another catchy chorus which I am sure everyone has heard. This song demonstrates Anastacia’s voice well and shows how distinctive it is. The ending to the song is one of the tracks highlights which shows the singer use her vocal talent well with climaxes being sung well and the high notes being achieved well. 9.5/10

+ Cowboy’s and Kisses {4:32}

The third release is a much mellower track. The backing vocal part is worth its addition as well as the more country themed song overall with my Anastacia’s voice once more being distinctive. The song has a nice guitar accompaniment. On the whole, the song is worth a listen but I was surprised it was a release as I myself am not too keen on the song. The previous tracks were much catchier. The song does demonstrate her voice well though especially near the ending of the song. Not the best track on the album and could have been better. 6/10

+ Who’s Gonna Stop the Rain {5:00}

The first non-release off the album, this track is another one of those catchy tracks. Beginning with a nice introduction which includes a vocal part, the lyrics are what are more important in this song. The song doesn’t really have a chorus line but after the first verse, the song picks up pace as well as having harmonic parts being introduced into the song. In the song, it gradually picks up more instrumental accompaniment that from the string section, which create a more full sound in the song as well as making it sound more polished. 8/10

+ Love is Alive {3:56}

A single release in some other countries, this track begins with a more technological intro with synthesised sounds being used. The song has a good bass accompaniment as well as a good piano part in the chorus. When I listen to this track, I can picture this being used in a commercial of some sort especially the chorus part which involves the use of a gospel type choir. The song is rather uplifting and is good to listen to. It has nice repeated sections as well as weirder sounds throughout. 8/10

+ I Ask of You {4:27}

I think this is my favourite ballad off the album. Anastacia, on this song shows that she can control her voice to some extent in this track. She allows her voice to sound much softer especially in the chorus thus demonstrating the emotion and also portraying the idea of the track. The chorus is very uplifting once more with her voice sounding almost silk like. This track really demonstrates her capability to control her voice as well as show true emotion that reflects the mood of the song. The instrumental parts especially the piano part also play well. I can seriously see this track being sung by the likes of Mariah Carey and I think it would be nice to hear that as it would be nice to compare. Well worth listening to. 9/10

+ Wishing Well {3:57}

A rather upbeat track, the song is worth a listen to although I feel that it is far too repetitive. The song does start rather promisingly with good backing from the vocalists and instruments. The verses are better than the chorus as I said the chorus is receptive but the break is also good to listen to. The song does pick up a bit near the end but it is just the chorus repeated AGAIN! This song would probably be better off the album maybe as a B-side track as it is nothing special. 5/10

+ Made for Lovin’ You {3:35}

My favourite off the album! I first heard this track from the car advert that came on the TV and thought it was Anastacia but wasn’t sure. I love this song but sadly it failed to do that well in the singles chart. Beginning with a whispering voice and then a funky riff, the song progresses to vocal where they lift off the album. The song completely catchy from the small drum beats to the vocal parts. The chorus is again what makes the song, the harmonies are also cool and the second verse becomes more fuelled as it gets back to the chorus. This song is well worth it and should have done much better in the charts! A real grower! 10/10

+ Black Roses {3:38}

Beginning with a slow introduction, Anastacia once again uses her softer tone whilst singing the verses to this track. The song is rather climatic in places and it is a rather mellow song in other places. The lyrics are more important in the song and they are more thought provoking than others are. Worth a listen although there are better ones once again. 7/10

+ Yo Trippin’ {3:35}

This is another upbeat and funky track with good riffs and accompaniments. The first verse is rather soft but as the song goes on, it gradually moves to a better faster track. There is a backing singer which sounds strangely like Anastacia and let me let you in on a secret…. It is Anastacia. The woman herself sings backing tracks on her songs and it is clearly evident in this track. 7/10

+ One More Chance {4:39}

A better ballad than some of the others, this song has a great accompaniment from various elements such as strings, piano and drums. The song has a great chorus and Anastacia uses her voice well here once more. The song is well worth listening to and reminds me of a Whitney type track. It is also somewhat reminiscent of her hit “I will always love you” nearer the end. There are some improvements that could be made which could include adding more harmonic parts in sections. 8/10

+ Same Old Story {5:32}

The longest track on the album and also the last, this song is quite catchy especially in the chorus, “Over and over on and on, keep on singing that same old song…”. The chorus is a bit more repetitive like the Wishing well track but somehow it is much more bearable and it works well with the song rather than crucifying the song like it did in the other track. The chorus should have you singing along to it as it is rather catchy. Again, good instrumental accompaniments are evident in the song from the likes of the guitars and drums. The song is a good ending to the song although I think the debut single or Made for lovin’ you would have been a better finish. 8/10

· The Verdict?
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This album is crammed full of good tracks some fast and up-tempo and other slow and climatic. As well as the highs of the album though, there are some lows, these include a repetitive track and the ballad type songs are generally of a lower standard in comparison to the upbeat ones. The album is on the whole worth the money and you will find hours of listening time with it as well as finding the toe tapping beats and sing along lyrics. Lets look forward to Anastacia’s next album and hopefully it will be crammed full of funky tunes again and also better ballads.

· Non Album Tracks
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As well as having the album tracks, like I said, Anastacia has some different tracks on her US album here are the two tracks along with two other non-album tracks which I managed to track down.

Don’tcha Wanna {4:02} – A great funky track which has a chorus which reminds me of an En Vogue track and I think should have been on the UK album. 8/10

Late Last Night {4:26} – A slow ballad track which could be a Disney soundtrack song as it reminds me of various Disney songs especially in the verses. 7/10

Why did you Lie to me {3:44} – A brilliant upbeat and fast track which is in league with the type of pop which is around at the moment. A rather Spanish type track which has a great guitar accompaniment and vocal part with great beats. It reminds me of a Destiny’s Child/N Sync track. A definite should have been on the album! 9.5/10

Baptize My Soul {2:32} - A rather mellow yet funky track. With words like “Take me to the river and deliver me” this must be worth a listen to! 7/10

Surprisingly all these 4 tracks are better than some of the tracks that can be found on the album! I particularly like ‘Why did you lie to me’ as it is very modern and could have been a potential single release!

Anastacia has a great vocal talent and though it may not be everyone’s taste, her voice is very distinctive and she demonstrates her vocal and also writing skills well as she co-wrote most of the album! I would recommend this album although with a few improvements and the additions of those other tracks, this album could have been amazing!

:) Mike.