Natalie
Natalie, a native of Houston, struck a chord with lovesick teenagers and pop fans via her wistful first single, "Goin' Crazy." The young Latina's self-titled debut disc proves she's no one-trick pony. The album is filled with pleasant pop hooks and light hip-hop touches that should find a comfortable home amid the sounds of Jennifer Lopez, Amerie, Ciara, and Destiny's Child. Natalie's voice is light and airy, but it works well amid the album's sugary lyrics and conveys just the right sense of girlish emotion. "Energy" is a smooth, summery duet with Baby Bash; "Better Get It Right" rides a groove that seems to draw inspiration from 1980s rock hits; and "I Can't Wait" is a modernized remake of the snappy Nu Shooz hit. Former Vi3 heartthrob and Making the Band finalist Justin Ronan also pops up during "Where Are You," a sweet puppy-love duet. This is hardly a groundbreaking affair, but it does position Natalie as a strong talent with lots of pontential and just the latest diva (Destiny's Child, Brooke Valentine) to break out of Houston's bustling music scene.--Joey Guerra