Nelly Furtado’s much-anticipated album, “7,” released on September 20, 2024, marks a significant return for the artist. Known for her genre-defying career, Furtado has continuously evolved as an artist, and this latest album showcases a blend of introspection, empowerment, and musical diversity. In this in-depth review, we will explore the thematic elements of the album, analyzing the lyrics of key tracks and offering insight into how Furtado balances vulnerability with strength throughout the album.

1. Showstopper: Embracing Transformation

The album opens with the energetic track “Showstopper,” a celebration of self-reinvention and transformation. In the first verse, Furtado sings:

“Feel like the moon’s in a phase, Feel like I’m ready to change, Didn’t come looking for love.”

Furtado immediately sets the tone for the album by highlighting a desire for personal growth. She equates herself with the moon, a symbol of cyclical change, and reflects on her readiness to evolve. While she wasn’t searching for love, the song expresses the excitement of unexpected encounters. The repetition in the pre-chorus, “You got me running back,” reflects how love can catch one off guard.

The chorus adds a bold, visual element:

“Eight deep, big black truck, See me, showstopper.”

Here, Furtado exudes confidence. The imagery of the “big black truck” evokes power and presence, suggesting that Furtado has regained control of her life and is ready to make a statement. This track showcases her ability to blend catchy melodies with themes of personal empowerment.

2. Corazón (Feat. Bomba Estéreo): A Dance of Liberation

“Corazón” offers a vibrant fusion of Latin beats, as Furtado collaborates with Bomba Estéreo to create a track that celebrates liberation and self-expression. The lyrics, such as:

“We, we lose control, That’s how we are, De corazón, no puedo parar,”

underscore the importance of living authentically and giving in to the emotions of the heart (“corazón”). The phrase “no puedo parar” (I can’t stop) suggests an unstoppable passion and energy, themes central to the track’s high-energy rhythm.

In the bridge, Bomba Estéreo brings a touch of poetic mysticism:

“No miro pa’trá, lo que tengo acá, Nadie me lo quita, nadie me lo da.”

This translates to “I don’t look back, what I have here, no one can take away or give me.” These lines reinforce the message of independence and power that runs throughout the album.

3. Love Bites (Feat. Tove Lo & SG Lewis): Love’s Seductive Sting

“Love Bites” introduces a sultrier side of the album. Collaborating with Tove Lo, Furtado explores the themes of desire and emotional vulnerability:

“I can tell it from your mouth that you’re, Real good at working with your mouth.”

Furtado is direct in her portrayal of sexual chemistry, but the track also delves into the complexities of emotional connection. The chorus, with its pulsating rhythm, highlights the seductive yet painful nature of love:

“The way your love bites, Got me dreamin’ ’bout that.”

The “bite” of love symbolizes both pleasure and pain, reflecting the duality of romantic relationships. The song uses physical attraction as a metaphor for deeper emotional entanglements, making it a standout track with its haunting production by SG Lewis.

4. Better For Worse (Feat. Gray Hawken): The Pain of Toxic Love

Better For Worse is a raw, emotional ballad that delves into the pain of a toxic relationship. Furtado’s reflective lyrics in the chorus capture the complexity of love’s highs and lows:

“There ain’t no sacrifice in your eyes, it’s just empty, There ain’t no righteousness in your disguise, you just use me.”

The recurring theme of deception and emotional manipulation runs deep in the song, painting a picture of betrayal. Gray Hawken’s melancholic backing vocals add to the intensity, underscoring the cyclical nature of the relationship as they sing:

“For better, for worse, You fuckin’ played me.”

This track exemplifies Furtado’s ability to convey vulnerability while still maintaining emotional strength.

5. Honesty: A Call for Transparency in Love

Honesty is a more optimistic track that highlights the importance of trust and transparency in relationships. The chorus emphasizes:

“I believe in honesty, A little bit of honesty is always in my recipe.”

Furtado frames honesty as a key ingredient in any successful relationship, contrasting the emotional manipulation explored in previous tracks like “Better For Worse.” The upbeat tempo and airy production give the song a refreshing vibe, showcasing Furtado’s ability to switch between emotional depths with ease.

The pre-chorus offers a more intimate glimpse into the balance required in love:

“Gotta be just slow enough, Why don’t we stay focused?”

The emphasis on pacing and patience suggests that Furtado is no longer rushing into things, instead opting for a thoughtful approach to building relationships.

6. Floodgate: Overflowing with Passion

In “Floodgate,” Nelly Furtado offers a metaphorical take on the overwhelming nature of love. The chorus—“Floodgate open, open up the well, full throttle, and I’m in the front seat”—invokes a powerful image of being swept away by love. The floodgate serves as a metaphor for allowing love to pour in without restraint.

This track, with its driving beat and catchy melody, taps into the intoxicating highs of love, where emotions and desire reach their peak.

7. Crown (Feat. Blxckie): Love and Regret

“Crown” is a beautiful yet melancholic duet that explores the complexities of regret and loss in relationships. Furtado’s vocals are rich with emotion as she sings:

“I wish I didn’t give it all away to you, Wish that there was something I had saved for me.”

The theme of giving too much of oneself in a relationship is a recurring one in Furtado’s music, but Crown stands out for its raw vulnerability. Blxckie’s verse adds a male perspective, offering a promise of loyalty and atonement for past mistakes. The collaboration creates a dialogue between two lovers trying to reconcile with their emotions, making this a standout track.

8. All Comes Back (Feat. Charlotte Day Wilson): The Cycles of Love

“All Comes Back” is a slow, reflective ballad that taps into the cyclical nature of love and heartache. Furtado’s lyrics are introspective as she sings:

“Started with reluctance, I landed right in your lap.”

The song reflects on how love has a way of pulling people in, even when they try to resist. The chorus, with its simple yet powerful repetition of “It all comes back,” serves as a reminder that love often comes full circle.

Charlotte Day Wilson’s haunting vocals complement Furtado’s, making this one of the more emotionally charged songs on the album.

9. Save Your Breath (Feat. Charmie, Taborah Johnson, Tynomi Banks & Williane 108): A Community Anthem

“Save Your Breath” offers a powerful message of cutting ties with negativity. The chorus—“You are such bad company, nothing’s left, you keep tryna talk to me, save your breath”—delivers a strong statement of independence and self-preservation. Featuring contributions from multiple artists, this track has a communal feel, as though Furtado is surrounded by a chorus of supportive voices.

The repetitive nature of the post-chorus—“Don’t want no more”—further solidifies the song as a declaration of moving on from toxic influences.

10. Ready For Myself: Empowerment and Self-Love

In “Ready For Myself,” Furtado delivers an anthem of self-love and empowerment. The chorus—“And I got ready for myself, and not for anybody else”—speaks to the importance of prioritizing oneself. Furtado reflects on the struggles of seeking external validation and how she has found peace by focusing on herself.

This theme of empowerment runs throughout the album, but “Ready For Myself” serves as the pinnacle of this journey, encapsulating the strength Furtado has gained through her experiences.

11. Fantasy: Escaping Reality

“Fantasy” is a fun, upbeat track that delves into the concept of living in a dream world. The refrain—“Stay in the fantasy, forget reality”—invites listeners to escape the pressures of real life, if only for a moment. The playful nature of the song provides a lighthearted break from the heavier themes explored in other tracks.

The lyrics—“Can anybody really see me?”—hint at the isolation that comes with fame, a theme that Furtado has touched on in previous works. However, the upbeat tempo ensures the track remains a celebration of escapism rather than a lamentation.

12. Better Than Ever: Rising from the Ashes

“Better Than Ever” is a triumphant song about overcoming pain and coming out stronger. Furtado reflects on past hurt, singing:

“You made me hurt times ten, the pain was at eleven.”

Despite the emotional intensity of the song, the chorus—“Now I’m better than ever”—reveals a deep sense of healing and self-empowerment. Furtado has learned from her experiences and emerged stronger

, using the song as a testament to her resilience.

13. Take Me Down: Embracing Freedom

In “Take Me Down,” Furtado explores the idea of letting go and embracing freedom. The pre-chorus, with its vivid imagery—“20/20 vision when I see into your eyes, looking for an energy to elevate my life”—speaks to the desire for connection and adventure.

The track’s infectious beat and playful lyrics make it a standout anthem for anyone looking to break free from societal constraints and live life on their terms.

14. Untitled: The End of Love

The final track, “Untitled,” is a poignant exploration of the end of a relationship. Furtado sings:

“Memories of dinner, that last on my skin after all, You into me, someone you won’t remember at all.”

This song is a reflection on love, loss, and the realization that some relationships are fleeting. The chorus—“You gotta let go sometimes”—serves as a fitting conclusion to the album, reminding listeners that healing often involves letting go.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

Nelly Furtado’s “7” is an impressive blend of emotional depth, empowerment, and musical exploration. The album takes listeners on a journey through heartbreak, self-discovery, and resilience. Each track contributes to the overarching themes of love, independence, and healing, showcasing Furtado’s growth as an artist. With collaborations that span multiple genres and influences, “7” offers something for everyone, making it a standout release in Furtado’s career.

Read all the lyrics below ;