P!nk Album: “Can't Take Me Home”

Pink is definitely one of the most talented young musicians out there- her voice is incredible; her range soars to first soprano, then plunges to tenor...it is utterly beautiful and heartfelt throughout this great debut album. I sincerely like all the songs on this album, but I must say that my favorites are "Split Personality," "Hell Wit Ya," "MOST GIRLS," "Stop Falling," and "Is It Love." However, this is not an album to just sit down and listen to- this is an album to get up and sing and dance to. I do have one gripe about it, though- the lyrics were not included in the cd, and sometimes Pink sings fast...It can be tough to follow along, but luckily she enunciates and you can tell what she's singing (or saying) most of the time. I bought this album for "There You Go" and, as I knew, there ended up being better songs on it. If you like "There You Go" in the least, or even Pink's voice, then I strongly suggest you get this album. Pink sounds a bit like Mariah Carey, but her songs are edgier, and I wouldn't have it any other way. I'm sure you'll agree, this girl is amazing and I wish her the best.

What's cool about Pink is that she wrote most of the songs on this album. As a matter of fact, LaFace records asked her to write after hearing her songwriting ability. She's talented both vocally and as a writer...she can perform, and she don't look too bad either. BUT, what I respect the most about her is that she does not try to use a typical suburban image to sell herself, like Christine Aguilera, Mandy Moore or Britney Spears...rather, she is true to the music she is doing (which is undeniably R&B) and adding a little bad-girl funk to it. Yep, "Most Girls" is the best song on this album (I will not be surprised in the least if this is the next single), and the beats are killer, like "No Scrubs" meets "Say My Name". Did you know that Babyface did "Most Girls"? If y'all pass this one up, you're missing out. She's fresh, and she'll be around for a while because she's more than just a mouthpiece. She writes her own songs...just peep out the last song, "Is it Love?"...the lyrics are surprisingly raw and real. Ladies (especially if you're a teenager, and you're dealing with crushes, etc) this album will not let you down. Let this be the soundtrack to your summer.

No one has made an R&B debut that has impressed me half as much as Pink. Here's why:

1. Split Personality- "You don't know me well enough to label me sick, or even disturbed.." What a way to start an album! It surprises with it's quirky beat, fresh two-sided thoughts from Pink's spilt personality. "Everybody's got his ennities, I got a split personality." #1 potenetial, shocking look at life.

2. Hell Wit' Ya- "Yeah, I remember that time we went to Pizza Hut, you told me she was your cousin." Talks about a lousy player who doesn't know how to treat the girl who cares about him (Pink) For anyone and everyone who's been in a bad relationship.

3. Most Girls- Her terrific #1 song. Most girls may want moolah, but Pink just wants real love. If you haven't heard it, you have to. Also check out her singles for "Most Girls," they include some really great mixes.

4. There You Go- The song that started it all for this beautiful new diva. A #1 better than any Britney song you've ever heard. Also check out the single for this one. Dare you not to sing along!

5. You Make Me Sick- Pink's latest #1. I mean, how hot is this song? "You make me sick, I want you and I'm hatin' it!" "You got me goin' again, baby you got me goin' again." A little hard to understand at first. I think you'll love it once you give it a try. Hate to be repetative, but check out this single, too. REALLY awesome mixes. *****

6.Let Me Let You Know- This is some REAL R&B stuff here. Not a personal favorite, but a good song to unwind with.

7. Love is such a Crazy Thing- The classical piano intro, the sultry guitar, the funky strings and drums. Oh, what a song! Pink confesses her love in this one, a break from the girl power theme, "Is this love for real?" Very nicely suited to her range.

8. Private Show- This is my favorite song of the album, and just listen to it once to see why. "See I don't wanna meet on a lonely street, where the talk is cheap and the price is sweet..... And you don't wanna see the other side of me so I'm gonna hit you off and I'ma set you free before you fall too deep." What more is there to say?

9. Can't Take Me Home- Okay, a lot of the "F Word" in here, but it's understandable. As I've pointed out, the fact that this is the song the album is named after says a lot about Pink's personality. Or at least one of them. This one can take a while to grow on you.

10.Stop Falling- Who can resist the vocals in this? Pink's sexy, scartchy voice, and her sad tone and sad story her song tells will move you. I think the climax where she shows off her range is wonderful!

11.Do What U Do- Hey, whatever you're comfortable doing, do it! Directed to anyone and everyone. However you are, be comfortable with it. Great message, the tune could use a little work. ****

12. Hiccup- "Why every time I try to tell you how I feel, it's like a hiccup-cup-cup it just won't come come." Such a different song from anything else out there. "Pink don't think before she speak, but you got me feelin' feelin' feelin' kinda weak" ****

13.Is It Love- Oh, my! Pink is in love- she thinks, but she's not sure what's up with her man. One of my favorite songs, from this album or any other! *****

Pink's music is strict, Philly-soul R&B with some pop flare thrown in to keep it appealing, but the bottom line is you must like real, raw and hardcore music if you want to appreciate Pink (21-year-old Alecia Moore). No corny Mariah-like vocal gymnastics, no sugar-coated lyrics like Britney, no tired messeges like Destiny's Child. Just real, down-to-earth, mature and respectable music with awesome beats and catchy melodies. "Split Personality", an explosive and exposed jam about fitting in with today's conformist society, "There You Go", the bouncy and addicting lead single, "Can't Take Me Home", with a white-knuckle chorus and raw emotional rage, and "Stop Falling", a beautiful, heartfelt and soulful ballad all take the gold. "Hell Wit Ya", because of its fun, fast pace and won't-think-twice lyrics, and "Private Show"'s Philly-soul sound, are also great tracks. Pink enforces a lot of different musical taste in the 13 tracks, and she grew up listening to a wide variety of R&B music, as evidenced by this white woman's extremely soulful voice. If you are currently enjoying the music of Jill Scott, TLC, Madonna, Monica or Janet Jackson, then pick up Pink's excellent debut, "Can't Take Me Home." Cuz if you don't take this home, you'll be missing out on something special.

"Can't Take Me Home" is a great album. I love all the songs, and Pink has a great voice. My favorite songs are Split Personality, Most Girls, Hiccup, Can't Take Me Home, and Is This Love? This CD is so good. You have to get it!