NO matter what people say about Nelly Furtado, I think she deserves respect. She has been called a sell-out for embracing hip-hop and R&B in her last album Loose, which featured songs such as Promiscuous and Maneater. The music was much more dance-friendly and nothing like I’m Like a Bird, the single that launched her to fame and won her a Grammy Award back in 2001.

Though the change to her music in Loose threw off a lot of people, it went on to sell more than 10 million albums worldwide. I was not enamoured of the album, but I have to admit that it showed Furtado’s willingness to try new things. Thankfully, though, her latest album Mi Plan is nothing like Loose.

This is actually the Canadian songstress’ first Spanish album. Despite not understanding what she sang about, I found the songs here to be really good. I reckon any music lover too can connect with it. After all, music is universal.

The music takes you back to the innocence of her first album Whoa, Nelly. Her first two singles Manos Al Aire and Mas have been well-received in the United States. They’re fun, lively and make you smile and jump.

I also liked her collaborations with other artistes in the title track (Alejandro Fernandez), Fuerte (Concha Buika) and even Silencio (Josh Groban).

This album shows Furtado’s stunning versatility. Perfect.