On “Maneater,” Furtado warns a guy about a manipulative woman. “Afraid” questions the need for bling (“A diamond don’t define what shine is/I don’t need a Rolex to know what time it is”) and takes pride in being a self-made survivor. Similarly, “Te Busque” finds the singer facing trials head-on and expecting to come out on top. Spiritual reflection about why a romance failed is central to “In God’s Hands.”
Verbal foreplay between Furtado and her producer, Timbaland, endorses casual sex (“Promiscuous”). She gives in to a partner against her better judgment on “Do It” (“I’m ready for you this time … I cannot fight it off”). Erotic obsessions are also central to “Glow,” “Showtime” and the Spanish language track “No Hay Igual.” While “Say It Right” acknowledges the sacredness of sexuality (“From my body I could show you a place God knows/You should know the space is holy”), the artist surrenders it to a guy she’s unsure about (“All of what I feel I could show you tonight”). In addition to the innuendo, “Glow” uses the s-word.
This is quite a shift from Furtado’s last CD, which was influenced by Portuguese folk music. Here she has ramped up the sexual nature of her lyrics and her image, putting both in the hands of Timbaland, a celebrated R&B producer who has worked with Aaliyah, Missy Elliott, Brandy and Destiny’s Child. She may sing the praises of promiscuity on Loose, but these songs sound more like a desperate grab for true intimacy and stability from a confused woman willing to sell herself cheap.
After serving as an associate editor at NavPress’ Discipleship Journal and consulting editor for Current Thoughts and Trends, Adam now oversees the editing and publishing of Plugged In’s reviews as the site’s director. He and his wife, Jennifer, have three children. In their free time, the Holzes enjoy playing games, a variety of musical instruments, swimming and … watching movies.
