Music Reviews of Nathalie Matthews

Nathalie Matthews is poised to take up the throne of Celine Dion, as another Canadian from Quebec who earned her chops at a young age to eventually become a backup singer for Dion. “No Mystery” is delivered with a breathless smooth jazz Love Boat-style seduction. I am not going to reference Titanic - oh wait I just did! It would be a better suited description as these songs are more about love lost than gained. And yes, Matthews does speak French and you will hear it on songs like “Juste Toi” which is actually a French version of Chaka Khan’s, “Ain’t Nobody.” It’s delivered as a way cool French rap, with occasional breaks into English.

The two most radio-ready songs on this album are “Totaled My Heart” and “Trippin Over You.” Both include a rap section so this is definitely stuff you’d be hearing alongside Rhianna and Mary J. Blige on the radio. “My Boo” and “Talk To Me” reminded me of some of Paula Abdul’s albums with a very “Straight Up Now” feel! That old school vibe continues on “Free” and “Why Ya Playin’” with production that recalled En Vogue.

Composition-wise most of the songs are fast paced; the lyrical delivery is double time because the songs have a lot of story to cover in their three minute space. “Givin It My All” has some guitar and live sounding percussion which is a nice shift from the overall sound of the album. I felt the most successful songs here were not the hip hop songs, but the pop and soul ballads. “Don’t Surrender,” especially is this album’s strongest song, a track to watch out for with amazing lyrics that are a series of mantras, “Just go and seek out your own truth/Don’t surrender to your fears inside/Don’t surrender to life’s pressures/Live day to day and find the treasures/Keep some faith and hope in your deepest soul/Then you’ll be sure to find your life’s goal/Be strong, never accept defeat/ Live with passion and love so you can feel complete” The lyrics on “Hold On” and “Don’t Surrender” are the stuff of which great songs are made; words of inspiration with real power that are guaranteed heavy radio rotation as evidenced by Natasha Bedingfield’s hit smash, “Unwritten.

Brooke Mason

Bitchin' Entertainment

http://www.bitchinentertainment.com/cdreviews/brooke_reviews6.html

LooseyLucy.com

Nathalie Matthews might be an independent artist, but her music has a very mainstream feel.  She has a wonderful, powerful voice, which is excellent for her style of pop/R&B.  A former backup singer for Celine Dion, Ms. Matthews has struck out on her own...and she does it well!  Her thirteen song self-titled album starts off strong with the danceable, "Totaled My Heart."  The love song, "No Mystery," is remarkable, and "Trippin' Over You" has a great beat for the club.  The enchanting ballad, "Don't Surrender," and it's French version, "Ne Lache Pas," are simply gorgeous!  "Givin' It My All" has an interesting melody on the chorus, and "I'm Over You" has a great pop sound.  The entire album is outstanding.  Definitely worth listening!!! 

http://www.looseylucy.com/news.htm

Roctober Magazine

Independently released slick R&B is rarely on par with todays radio hits, although it sure sounds better than most of the stuff out there. Matthews sings with a Panache and a clear, strong voice, and has some sly phrasing, and she can also sing in french. What more do you want?

http://www.roctober.com/roctober/roc44.html

Orcasound -

Nathalie Matthews
Nathalie Matthews
By: Seema

Canadian singer Nathalie Matthews has led a charmed life. From a young age, she was able to play various instruments and developed her singing skills. This led her to a fantastic opportunity to be Celine Dion's backup singer. Nathalie decided to branch out on her own. She recently pre-released her debut self-titled album, which is a blend of pop and R&B. Songs about relationships dominate this album of thirteen tracks. R&B flavored songs like "Totaled My Heart" and "Trippin' Over You" are interesting. Nathalie has also included a couple of French as well. 

www.orcasound.com