Samantha Mumba
Gotta Tell You
A&M
Everyone knows pop stars generally don’t write their own music, which makes me think twice about putting Samantha Mumba into that category. Granted, she’s not exactly tackling world peace or contemplating philosophical depth, and her first CD, Gotta Tell You, is peppy and dance worthy, but you’ve got to distinguish the difference between her and the Type A “Pop Star.” The album includes the radio friendly title track and “Baby, Come Over (This is Our Night),” along with a few other interesting tracks like “Always Come Back to Your Love,” and the much covered “Lately.” She hosts Will.I.Am from the Black Eyed Peas in the remix of “The Boy” (one of the more true to pop style songs on the album) and David Bowie in the co-writing of “Body II Body,” as well as a wide array of horns, guitar, an orchestra, and a choir on some tracks. She may slightly resemble Beyonce of Destiny’s Child, but Samantha Mumba’s style is all her own, and even if pop isn’t your thing, this is a good effort to begin bridge the gap.
A&M Records, 2220 Colorado Avenue, Santa Monica, CA 90404; http://www.smamnthamumba.com
