Coco

The debut album by Colbie Caillat, Coco, is one of the best written I have heard in quite awhile. Hopefully it is as successful as REO Speedwagon's Hi Infidelity, which it compares to in many ways.

I love this CD. The songs tell stories and have meaning. It's easy to sing along and fun to just sit and listen.

Coco from Malibu, California-born Colbie Caillat is a sweet, sugary diversion that is enjoyable because it accomplishes a lot without trying too much or seeming to work too hard.

That's not a knock on the production. Everything is solid here, and while no new ground is broken, it does what it sets out to do - present Ms. Caillat as a sweet, romantic, lovable presence whose voice glides through one romantic song after the other.

Her hit single "Bubbly," "One Fine Wire," "Midnight Bottle," and "Oxygen," are enjoyable without the listener having to work to hard. This record is full of unadulterated sweet music that is relaxing and soothing. There is more than enough room for singers like Ms. Caillat, who don't beat us over the head with layers of meaning, or challenge us with their opinions. Coco is a welcome diversion for those of us who want something soft and sweet without any rough edges.

This girl is awesome! Love every song on her album and I rarely say that. And I rarely purchase whole albums (cds) anymore, but this one is long time keeper.

Colbie Caillat is another example of where I say this: when you have a name like that, you just HAVE to get into show business. Anyway, instead of reaping the success of her father Ken, Colbie started her career on her own and thus became another internet phenomenon. But unlike other no-talents that got their start via MySpace (*cough* Soulja Boy), she is actually worth the hype.

The first three tracks off her album are fast-forwardable (well, actually, only the VERSES to "One Fine Wire" lack feeling) but fortunately, things pick up with "Bubbly", which, as I'm sure everyone knows by now, is just that. From there you'll find other quality tracks like "Battle", "Realize" and the gentle "Capri" (no, it's not about the pants). Standouts continue with metaphorical tales like "Tailor Made" and "Midnight Bottle".

When it comes to vocals, Colbie is no Celine Dion, but that hardly matters because she's got talent and she knows how to use it. I don't see the blue-eyed soul that other people see, but whatever the case, if you haven't picked Coco up yet, there's still time because then you'll realize how bubbly she is (sorry; I couldn't resist).

Anthony Rupert