Disco de Nina Sky: “Nina Sky”

Nina Sky's debut self titled album is in stores now. If the group's name doesn't ring a bell you certainly have heard their infectious summer hit "Move Ya Body." No--Beyonce doesn't sing that song. When the song first hit in clubs so many people thought that was B, it doesn't even sound like B..okay maybe it is along the line of "Naughty Girl" Beyonce but this song is performed by 18 year old identical twins Natalie and Nicole Albino. The New York natives are signed to Next Plateau/Universal Records. The song "Move Ya Body" has become one of the most played songs of the summer and is making it's presence felt on the music charts and on MTV's video show TRL.

Nina Sky's debut album is so diverse and is mad hot. Like fire. The hits go on and on. The song "You Deserve" is crazy and features legendary singer Betty Wright. This song would be the perfect next single for this group. "Turnin' Me On" is another club banger that could be the flipside for "Move Ya Body."

The stand out best song on the album is "Your Time." This song could put Nina Sky over the top. The chorus is melodic and music fans of all ages will appreciate this song.

The song "Surely Missed" is a classic R&B cut.

The production on the album is very good. There are so many good songs on the album and the interludes are enjoyable.

Their melodies and voices do remind you of Beyonce and Destiny's Child, which isn't a bad thing to be compared to a multi-platinum group. It is clear that they were somewhat influenced by the group. Some songs might even remind you of U.K. artist Miss Dynamite.

Nina Sky has a lot of depth so their music will remind you of lots of different artists. They experiment with reggae, pop, hip hop, R&B and other musical styles on their debut, so it's impossible to put these young ladies in a box.

The album starts off rather uptempo but takes a darker, more mature and serious tone on cuts 10 & 11. The girls are back in a party mood on the #11 track "Holla Back."

The reason for 4 stars is because something, just a little something was missing or went awry towards the last 4 tracks. I can't put my finger on it. Maybe I was looking for that one last cut to just put the album over the top.

Nina Sky is a pair of twins, two sisters who both can actually sing. No, they do not have the most unique or stand out vocals but in this industry where some of the weakest singers get the most attention, it is refreshing to hear from some newcomers who can simply sing. They do not have many vocal gymnsatics or acrobatics but they know the meaning of being in-tune, harmony and on-key and pitch. These are terms that so many people need to learn. MOVE YA BODY has blown up to be one of the biggest summer jams but unlike last year's by Lumidee-IF yOU WANT ME TO STAY, these are some good voices.

NINA SKY IS- This intro produced by DJ Cipha is a nice intro with some nice note scaling in the background and a voice that presents to you Nina Sky.

MOVE yA BODY- The ubiquitous Summer 2004 hit featuring Jabba and produced by Elijah Wells and Lionel Birmingham, everyone pretty much knows this song so it needs no description. It has a lot of energy and it is not really disposable as so many poppish or summer hits are. A

yOU DESERVE- Produced by Elijah Wells and Lionel Birmingham again and featuring 70s soul singer Betty Wright (who helped to helm Joss Stone's Soul Sessions debut), this song that features Betty giving advice with Nina Sky to a girl about what they deserve romantically. The song has some nice vocals, the different parts of the mid-tempo work together well and it is catchy. The song stuck out to me when I first listened to it. Betty Wright, though strained vocals, still adds a lot with her wisened and experienced vocals making the song more believable. A

TURNIN' ME ON- Produced by DJ Cipha and Jack Move and Disco D, this cut is another uptempo in the vein of MOVE yA BODY. I can see this cut which is about being turned on by someone else although youre in a relationship, has much commercial appeal to it. I can see this as a single from the CD and it probably can make some ends. The beat is just hot all over and the song is a nice banger. A

LET IT GO- Produced by Elijah Wells and Lionel Birmingham, this midtempo with a stop/go drum beat is about letting go of a relationship that is not working. The song is nothing special but it is listenable. It is the standard "bad guy" song but it is okay. B+

GOODBYE- This interlude produced by Nina Sky and with guitar work by Nina Sky, it is so cute hearing them on this track. If you wanna hear how twins can be, just listen to their chemistry.

yOUR TIME- Produced by DJ Cipha and Disco D with a sample of LET ME DOWN EASY performed by Inez Foxx,this contemplative mid-tempo looks at whether one should move on or not. There is a little skit with the guy picking up the phone once she calls him. The song is nothing original but the vocals are good and the bridge is pretty hot with the swirling, classic horns and the vocals that stay on pitch through it all. A-

RUNAWAY- Produced by DJ Cipha and Disco D with a sample of WALKING INTO SUNSHINE, this get-a-way song talks about running away from some of the problems in life- taking a vacation. The song is kinda weird and at first, I wanted to run away from it but it does grow on you because it mixes the darker problems with the freeing solution of the temporary vacation from the "drama." It is very unique but that is something we need these days anyways. A-

IN A DREAM (REMIX)- I wonder how the original sounds. Where is the original? Produced by Elijah Wells and Lionel Birmingham, this percolating beat heavy songs with synthesized-like/from a distance vocals is ok. There is nothing special and like the former it is weird, very unique. The song is talking about being in a dream with certain feelings I believe. A-

SURELY MISSED- Probably the best song on the disc and the only ballad, produced by DJ Cipha and Disco D with portions of Al Green's SOMETHING interspersed, this touching and mournful song about losing the love of your life is very heartfelt. The music and the arrangement sets the mood with the mournful beat and the thunderstorm in the background and then Nina Sky's vocals are on-point. The song climaxes and you can literally feel the emotion. I really do enjoy this cut. A+

TEMPERATURE'S RISING/PRELUDE- Produced by Elijah Wells and Lionel Birmingham, this slow cut looks at your temperature rising with ectasy as you prepare to make a move with your love. The song is not too provocative or too sleazy and it is presented nicely. The vocals are on-point, the instrumentation is hot and the song just works through and through. Probably the 2nd best track. A+

HOLLA BACK- Produced by DJ Cipha and Disco D, this cut is standard music with the "holla back" message of hollering back at some guys. I really have not gotten into this cut. It is too formulaic for me. B

FADED MEMORIES- Produced by Elijah Wells, Lionel Birmingham and Will Divide, this cut which looks at the faded memories that come sometimes after a relationship. The midtempo has a very unique instrumentation to it which I cannot put my hands on (country mixed with R&B?). The song is listenable though no standout. B+

This is a pretty cohesive CD but it does become annyoing if you overlisten to it. The girls sing in a very stop/go manner that is pretty unique. Listen to and you will notice what I am talking about. Their delivery is choppy but it still sounds fresh and musical. I enjoy the CD and it is refreshing to hear some folks with some true talent. The girls also wrote many of the songs as well.

This album is one of thoses rare album that you can put in and listen to from the start to the end! let me break it down for you...

1.Intro- This is where you get to know NS(nicole and nat) Nicole talks about who Nina Sky is simple as that and you can hear there angelic voices in the background.

2.Move ya body- the track that started it ALL if you ain't heard this song you need to hear it! what more can i say One of the best tracks on the album very catchy

3.You Deserve- Fantaboulus track lol it features RnB legend Betty Wright The girls talk about leaving a good that is no good for you and how you are more than that Wonderful beat something you can ride to.

4.Turnin' Me on- Another HOT club track very enjoyable will be stuck in your head for days no wonder its the next single.

5.Let it go- Lovely track ejoys this song alot 4 out of 5 stars.

6.Goodbye (interlude)- lol very funny interlude Nat sings about leaving a boy while Nicole plays the guitar.

7.Your Time- Best track on the album should be a single everything about it is perfect! Just have to listen for yourself.

8.Runaway- A song where the girls try someting differnt than Rnb and Hip Hop it's like a house track where the lyrics catch you and you just have to listen the girls sing about getting away for a min.

9.In a Dream- Another House track same as above still enjoyable.

10.Surely Missed- A great track also everyone can relate to this track about losing a loved one, the beat is very lovely the girls pour there heart out on this track.

11.Temperature's Rising (Prelude)- nothing much but a little intro to get you ready for the next track!

12.Temperature's Rising- WoW WOW wow this track is just GREAT the girls really sing the best on this track! The girls sing about how they ready to do the get down with somebody how that person gets them hot! Just have to hear this track for yourself.

13.Holla Back- A party track for sure! this is the song you put on when you at a party and just Have a good time! Party to this Nina sky track

14.Faded Memories- Great way to end a wonderful album, wonderful lyrics this song is something you listen to while riding in your car to relax you.

OVERALL this is one of the best albums of 04 so far GO PICK IT UP! they are def not a lumidee so don't front! it's a good album for it not to have no big name producer AGAIN GO PICK IT UP!

I am so glad that I bought this CD! I was a little skeptical at first, because I had only heard "Move Your Body Girl" (which is THE CUT by the way!!). But I absolutely fell in love with "You Deserve", "Turnin' Me On'" , "Goodbye", etc. I think this CD was great, and I look forward to more music from the twins. Good lookin' out BORICUAS!! WEPA!!!

This CD is ok. It's no gangsta rap, Usher, raggea or booty shaking music and if that's what you are looking for you won't find it in this CD. But if you are looking for something mellow--then it might be worth the money.

I mean these girls don't sang like Tamia, Beyonce or Whitney but they have cute chants that helps the time pass as you are driving ten hours. Also, if you like Lumidee (this is who they sound like)...The beats are head nodable (if that's a word) and keeps ya neck rolling from side to side. The only song that is danceable is "Move Ya Body". However, they should find a real rapper to rap because their rapping skills are horrible.

P.S. I'd put this CD in my neo-soul collection because of the the jazzy aspects and mellowness.