The debut release from this American solo artist was met with a lot of critical acclaim when it was released, mainly down to the uniqueness of her voice on the first single 'I'm Outta Love' which was an instant hit around the world when it was released in the autumn of 2000, and became an anthem for many people who have been wronged by a person that they loved. At first, I thought she was a woman who sang songs for women, about being strong and not being ruled by men, and although I am all up for fair play, I did not want it rammed down my throat. I am pleased to say though, that after my wife played and played this whilst we were driving to the Midlands, it grew on me, and is now a firm favourite, and I have to admit the fact that she is extremely easy on
the eye is always a plus point!

Debut release, and still one of my favourite tracks on the album is ' I'm Outta Love'. Now, I am not a dancer, but this song never fails to get me moving....not in a John Travolta way I must add, maybe a foot tapping and head nodding at the most! I love her voice on this disco influenced track with the brilliantly catchy chorus, which about half way through builds up into a crescendo where the vocals are powerful, attention grabbing and communicate the mood of the song perfectly.

'Who's Gonna Stop The Rain' keeps the mood mellow, with toned down vocals and drifting melodies, and lyrically this is the best song on the album. It is all about things which are wrong with the world, pollution, war, child poverty, and many of social problems. The whole track has a really sad melancholy feel even if you do not listen to the lyrics closely, as the vocals convey so much emotion.

'I Ask Of You' is another ballad, and it is a typical big American ballad, which is not my cup of tea, but my wife absolutely loves this song, and informs me that this is the kind of song which people make 'their song', and I can see what she means as the lyrics could be adapted to match many different couples, with lines such as "I found a place where I belong, it's right here next to you", but personally it is just a bit too cheesy for me.

'Made For Lovin' You' will be familiar to a lot of you without you knowing it, as it was included in an advert for a car, and the make escapes me at the moment. For me, this rates as highly as her early releases. It has a funky upbeat verse, but it is the chorus which really sets this song alight, and it is one of those songs which really gets under your skin, and you find yourself singing it days later.

There is an immediate 70's disco vibe at the start of 'Yo Trippin'. This is a song about a woman who refuses to conform to the stereotype that certain men want as girlfriends. Again, it is a nice enough song, it does not grab me, and to be honest I could not tell you what it would have to do to be a standout track, as it is sometimes nice to just have a track wash over you without challenging you too much.

Last track 'Same Old Story' brings the album to a neat end. It is another of those tracks which will not remain in your mind long after it ends, but at the time you are listening to it, it is a nice soothing track which does it's job well.