Music has a way of creeping into your subconscious sometimes. This is how Nelly was for me. The dj at a local bar started playing the track "Country Grammar" a while back, and the beat would always get stuck in my head. I never knew what song it was, where it came from, or any of the words. One night, I am not sure why, but the line "shimmy shimmy coco-puff" stuck out to me. It reminded me of old songs, and got me to really pay attention to Nelly this time around. I didn't understand most of the lyrics at first, but I really thought it was a cool song. I asked the dj who the song was by, and swore that I would have to buy the album soon.

Flash forward about a week. I hadn't heard the song again, but it was still in my mind. Napster wasn't working on my computer, and I didn't have much money. I needed to hear that song! After searching for a while, I finally found a friend with the cd. Phew! I brought it home to burn, but lo and behold, I had the case but no cd. I liked the song so much that I just went out about bought the cd anyway. I really couldn't wait any longer.

The cd is pretty good. "Country Grammar" is a great song, and has tore up all the charts. It seems like you can't turn on BET or MTV without seeing this video, or hearing the music in the background. The song was very successful with a diverse group of people, which makes me think that Nelly is going to be around for a while. I think this song has outlived itself, however. I think that if I never hear it on the radio again it will be too soon. (I say that now, but in fifteen minutes, it will probably be on, and I will probably be singing along with it!)

My next favorite song was E.I. I have no clue what E.I. stands for. I have asked everyone I know too, and no one knows. At any rate, the first day I bought the cd I decided that I liked that song even better than "Country Grammar." When friends would come over, I'd throw this song on. I told them all that I would bet money that this was going to be the next single. It's got a great beat, and a memorable chorus. Sho'nuff, this is Nelly's newest single. Now it feels like you can't go anywhere without hearing "Ondele, ondele Mommy E.I. E.I. Ut-ohhhhh!" Ok, so they aren't the most intelligent lyrics, but the beat and flow make up for it.

Ok, now for the mushy love song. Nelly, like almost every rapper before him had to put one on this album. I happen to be in love with this song. It's called "Lovin Me." Well, it's a rapper's stab at a love song anyway. It's actually more like Nelly giving props to everyone he knows. He starts out thanking his mom for always being there for him, despite the fact that he "wrecked both yo' cars, stole money from yo drawers." He tells his mom he's "picked up the mic and put the drugs down" and wants to thank her for always being there for him. In the next verse, Nelly thanks his "boo" (um, translation for parents and anyone else who is way out of touch, your "boo" is your sweetheart) for always sticking through all the crazy things he does. He appreciates that she gives him "back rubs" and "head up in the bathtub (E.I. E.I.!)" He also is proud of the fact that if he "need[s] money -- my boo will go and work the avenue. My boo will _____ you up if I ask her to." Ok, so it's a rapper's love song, what do you want? I think it's sweet.

I really like the first two parts of "Lovin Me." Maybe it's because I usually fall for guys like Nelly who are reformed badboys. I think it's sweet that he takes the time to tell his mother and his girlfriend how much he appreciates them. It takes a real man to be able to say something so honest and sentimental. Those parts of the song give my heart a warm feeling. Then comes verse three. Ug. Nelly ruined one of the best songs ever with verse three.

You must be wondering how he could screw up such a wonderful song. Ever read liner notes on a cd? You know where the artists have shout outs to all of their friends and family. Almost like the junk you put in your yearbook under your senior picture. It must be nice to be mentioned, and on the liner notes, it's pretty unobtrusive. You don't know these people anyway, so if you don't care about them, you don't have to read their initials, and/or street names. Well, Nelly decided to put his liner notes right into his song. "I'm doin this one here for Shaun Haynes, Lashando and J.D., D Quick, Boo Gees and Fatty" etc. This is the third and final verse of "Lovin Me." Ok, the names rhyme sometimes, and his rhythm is good, but come on! What a stupid way to end such a beautiful song. Now, maybe I would have a different point of view if I were one of the hundred or so people he shouts out to, but I am not. It just detracts from an otherwise beautiful song.

One recurring theme on this album is the skits by Cedric the Entertainer. He does an Introduction (via voice mail), an interlude, and an Outro (also via voice mail). He's pretty funny. He sounds like a lot of guys I know (and if you know the skits, then you know how sad that is). Basically, he pretends to be some loser who is trying desperately trying to get onto Nelly's album. Of course, he never gets a hold of Nelly. I usually HATE skits on rap albums. They are on almost any rap album there ever was, but they are usually stupid, and just detract from an otherwise good cd. As far as skits go, these are pretty decent.

So those are the highlights of "Country Grammar." The other songs are pretty tight, but not quite as memorable as the ones I have mentioned. They are not as likely, in my opinion to become hits. I think "Lovin Me" will be remixed ultimately, and that third verse will be removed. Then I think it will be Nelly's third and final hit from this album. So you heard it from me first, and three months from now, when that is a number one song you can say "Oh my god! You were right!" to me, just like my friends did with "E.I." Just watch...




Recommended: Yes