Nikka Costa

Listened to it 4 times and I purchased it 24 hours ago. It is amazing. This album was the worth the wait. All the songs are written by her and hubby. They are a great team.

i just second what everyone else has already said. this is by far her best album yet, i almost didn't know what to expect since her other two are also fantastic. THIS album, has truly really and absolutely got that amazing old school funk/soul vibe, i can't stop listening to it! this album makes me want to dance and sing and wish i myself was just as funky as nikka :)

The funkiest white girl since Teena Marie hits her full stride on this soulful and uplifting independent release. (The album's been licensed to legendary soul label Stax for distribution.) Costa said jumping off the sinking ship that is the major-label record business reinvigorated her as an artist. "Pebble" proves that assertion -- brimming with absolute craft and confidence on cuts like the strutting "Can't Please Everybody," the title track (a terrific Stevie Wonder-circa-'73 homage), vocal showcase "Without Love," and Dub dream "Damn I Said It First." Highly recommended for funk/soul fans!

Nikka, your new album will be a huge hit, your KEEP PUSHING song is the funkiest tune EVER GIRLFRIEND, I mean I can hear it being played, played, played. Go Nikka Costa, for your orginality, I knew when I saw you open up for Lenny Kravitz in Milwaukee that you were super talented. That everybody got their something is so unique, I love watching you and your band do that song girl. The memories that you provide last a lifetime, I can't wait to see you again, definetly scoring your new album and getting all your other albums as your music does speak and satisfy the soul. RADIO PLEASE PLAY MORE NIKKA COSTA!!!!

Beard and Dreads

Keep Pushing

Nikka Costa has such a beautiful singing voice. Today where so called soul singers really have no soul (i.e. all the "touch my booty" type songs) she stands out among her contemporaries. Her first CD, even the pop tunes were gems, "so have I for you", omg what a song! On her second CD, it sounds like she was trying to remain true to herself and still put out a "hit" cd. For Nikka I don't think that combination was one that could work.

In "Pebble to a Pearl" you can really see that she has learned to embrace herself as an artist and put out the kind of music SHE wants to make. I suppose most artists would like to be well known and somewhat mainstream but not by sacrificing her craft. Now on her own label, you can tell that Nikka will doing things her way from know on.

Time will tell if she can hold her own amongst some of the greats, Chaka, Mary J. Too bad more of the world does not know about NC!

I saw her in concert and loved it. I also have all her adult CD's besides Butterfly Rockets and Pearl. The only reason I don't have Pearl is because it is not out yet. I hope you all will listen to Chaka and Janis Joplin with a sexy persona. She has confidence. She deserves it for staying true to herself.

the first time it came out...i had heard a couple of songs on a promo copy a friend gave me and i thought she was cool, but kinda forgot about her....i stopped listening to r and b and pop seriously about 2001-2002 and moved on to other genres....my tastes in music has always been eclectic, but i'll take a chance on a singer, regardless of her genre...nikki intrigued me enough to take a gamble on blind faith.... and she was worth it....nikki can belt it....she wrote or co-wrote all the songs and you can listen to it straight through....her uncle was ol blue eyes...and it's apparent nikki's got frank's talent in her dna....the stand out songs are " like a feather," " tug of war," the title track, " hope it felt good " and " corners of my mind," but like i said, you can play this one straight through and it will satisfy...questlove from the roots plays drums on some of the songs and the beats are always hot...mark ronson co-produced this record...he's gone on to bigger and better things...mainly working with amy winehouse.....i wish virgin would've put more money and time behind nikki, because she's worth it....if you are tired of being clear channeled to death by the britneys and mileys of the world,then darlin nikki's your go to girl....

With a guitar riff that traces straight back to Heartbreaker by the Rolling Stones, Nikka Costa gets out to a fast start on the first track, Like A Feather, and then shows her range as a songwriter/vocalist throughout this excellent CD.

She reaches deep into her soul for real interpretations of R&B, blues and gospel, with a variety of mixes in the production. Though I am not a fan of layered vocals, Costa is able to do an admirable job because of her range of expressions in delivering the parts.

She sings it like she's lived it in Push & Pull and Corners Of My Mind, with Tug Of War and the title track compelling enough to make you stop what you're doing and listen intently.

A dynamite CD likes this one means that the artist has refined the material over a period of years and may struggle to reach the same peak or is starting one of those magical runs of quality releases. Costa has set a solid foundation and Everybody Got Their Something will stand on its own no matter what the future brings.

I've had this CD for awhile and it remains one of my absolute favorites. So it hasn't been played on the radio? I love finding a musical gem that others haven't heard, though why Nikka Costa remains obscure to radio stations is beyond my guess. This is one funky and unique collection of songs that sound like no other.

This album has all the variety that showcases Costa. Motown, soulful, pop, rock, riot grrl. Not a boring cd. However, with that said. You do get the feeling that you heard the song before. But, great execution.

A little diappointing. Sometimes she has the most amazing voice but, on this one most of the faster songs she gets too screechy. Slow songs are nice.

She is underated and unheard of,but yet you here all of her songs in clothing commercials. She is a petite little white female that has powerful voice of a Harlem Choir.

It took me almost forever to get Nikka Costa's new work and I got extremely satisfied when Amazon allowed me having this AMAZING collection of great songs, fantastic musicians, mixing a sound based on what is the best in rock'n'roll - reminding me of the great jams from the seventies - with soulful and passionate vocal arragments and on the top of it all Nikka's rouchy and perfect-hitting note singing, all by one click! She's gifted! She once claimed "Everybody's got their something", and I say "If this something comes from Nikka, well, everybody should definetely have it, because she is the real thing!!!".

I'll say it again. Wow. I dunno how I missed this girl - but I've got an excuse...

After gorging on free music during my very own High Fidelity period (circa 1991 - 1998), I purged myself of most of my CD collection and swore off buying any new albums over the intervening years. I discovered that even a few hundred CD's are a pain in the butt to pack and move, and - crazy - the damn things are EXPENSIVE. I won't listen to the tripe played on the radio, and other than the odd gift of an album here and there, I never really thought I'd get back into music.

And then my girlfriend goes and gives me an iPod for Christmas. Man. That quick, and I was addicted again. Thought I'd kicked the habit. Guess not - Since the end of December I've crammed that little gizmo with about 2500 songs.

So - to Nikka Costa's can'tneverdidnothin' (and I might as well include her first CD, Everybody Got Their Something, too, since this has become more of a recommendation than a review). On impulse, after reading the rave reviews posted here, I bought both discs. Can't really explain why - I rarely believe the hype about anything. And besides, the cover of Costa's first CD (where she's in a skimpy skirt, posing, swishing her butt and her swinging her head around) was just waaay to Britney Spears for me, and the cover of can'tneverdidnothin', with her wind-blown hair, wasn't any better. The thing has freakin' butterflies on it. Butterflies! Oh, Man. Seeing these CD's on a rack in a record store would not have led me to impulse buys.

But I listened to y'all; listened to a couple of the posted samples, and took a chance. Let me say, I don't quite get the Joss Stone comparisons that are flying around. I know, I know - they're both young white girls belting out what is traditionally black music, but that's as far as any similarities go. Their style's and chosen music genres are completely different. Stone is oriented in more traditional soul and R&B reworked for the teen set; where as Costa is the wild child -- a '70's blend funk and rock; some crazy mix of the Mary Jane Girls and Janis Joplin, sprinkled around the edges with some AC/DC. If I had to compare the two, I'd say that Joss Stone's voice is the purer instrument - I'd much rather sit down and listen to her stand there and sing, boring stage presence and all, but her good-girl image just ain't my style. It's Costa's balls-out funkalicious grooves that get me going.

It's something like taking the sweet homecoming queen to the prom, and then secretly getting seduced by her crazy, hot older sister after the party.

If you've been hemming and hawing about ordering this album, trust us. Really - would we lie to you? Go on, buy the disc. You know you want to. All I can say is that I'm jealous of those of you who've seen Costa live, and thank God for my iPod. Now I don't have to choose between discs - I can combine both of Costa's albums and plug the 'Pod into my car stereo, roll down the windows and do the white-boy headbob while I groove all over town.

Folks, I'm writing this on nearly the one year anniversary of it's release. Regular readers of my reviews (United we stand!) will note that I raved about Ms. Costa's first release. Naturally, I have received many requests/inquiries as to when I would be "dropping" a review of the new one.

I had to wait a full year because this CD drained me in more ways than one (see my review of Nikka's first for a better explanation). Suffice it to say, and I mean this in the best way possible, Nikka Costa's music leaves the listener with control issues. I think I probably lost 10 pounds in the first two weeks of it's release, from shaking my big white fanny so furiously (and constantly!). I plateaued after that, but over the course of one year, I am approximately 21 pounds lighter - coincidence? I think not. This is perfect work-out music, whether you are into jazzercise-type routines (like me) or if you simply want something funky-fresh for your morning jogs. And speaking of funky, just wait til your friends and family get a whiff of your bathroom (or undies) after a marathon listening session. Me, I don't have any immediate family, so it wasn't a problem (plus I don't mind stewing in my own stench for extended periods of time due to moderate-to-severe sinus issues, which are surely a pain but somewhat alleviated by aroma therapy).

Everything about this release is rump-shakingly good.

Listened to it 4 times and I purchased it 24 hours ago. It is amazing. This album was the worth the wait. All the songs are written by her and hubby. They are a great team.

i just second what everyone else has already said. this is by far her best album yet, i almost didn't know what to expect since her other two are also fantastic. THIS album, has truly really and absolutely got that amazing old school funk/soul vibe, i can't stop listening to it! this album makes me want to dance and sing and wish i myself was just as funky as nikka :)

The funkiest white girl since Teena Marie hits her full stride on this soulful and uplifting independent release. (The album's been licensed to legendary soul label Stax for distribution.) Costa said jumping off the sinking ship that is the major-label record business reinvigorated her as an artist. "Pebble" proves that assertion -- brimming with absolute craft and confidence on cuts like the strutting "Can't Please Everybody," the title track (a terrific Stevie Wonder-circa-'73 homage), vocal showcase "Without Love," and Dub dream "Damn I Said It First." Highly recommended for funk/soul fans!

Nikka, your new album will be a huge hit, your KEEP PUSHING song is the funkiest tune EVER GIRLFRIEND, I mean I can hear it being played, played, played. Go Nikka Costa, for your orginality, I knew when I saw you open up for Lenny Kravitz in Milwaukee that you were super talented. That everybody got their something is so unique, I love watching you and your band do that song girl. The memories that you provide last a lifetime, I can't wait to see you again, definetly scoring your new album and getting all your other albums as your music does speak and satisfy the soul. RADIO PLEASE PLAY MORE NIKKA COSTA!!!!

Beard and Dreads

Keep Pushing

Nikka Costa has such a beautiful singing voice. Today where so called soul singers really have no soul (i.e. all the "touch my booty" type songs) she stands out among her contemporaries. Her first CD, even the pop tunes were gems, "so have I for you", omg what a song! On her second CD, it sounds like she was trying to remain true to herself and still put out a "hit" cd. For Nikka I don't think that combination was one that could work.

In "Pebble to a Pearl" you can really see that she has learned to embrace herself as an artist and put out the kind of music SHE wants to make. I suppose most artists would like to be well known and somewhat mainstream but not by sacrificing her craft. Now on her own label, you can tell that Nikka will doing things her way from know on.

Time will tell if she can hold her own amongst some of the greats, Chaka, Mary J. Too bad more of the world does not know about NC!

First of all, never, never did I think I'd actually ever blow my hard-earned cash and buy a CD single.

Well.

Never say never.

I picked up Nikka Costa's first major studio album Everybody Got Their Something (coming after 1996's long-out-of-print Butterfly Rocket) on a whim. Promptly fell in love with Costa's growly-waily voice and her smokin' blend of funk-rock. Bought her follow-up, Can'tneverdidnothin', literally minutes later, dropped the disc in in my car's deck, it's been there ever since.

Wowwowowwow

I'm hooked. It's been a long time since this jaded ex-record store employee got this excited about new music. It's been a long time for there to be new music to get excited about.

Anyway. Getting on to reviewing the single. Convictions be damned - I bought it - on yet another whim. Heck, the blang thing was only a couple bucks. That's justifiable, right? Besides, I just hadda have that one, lonely song that didn't make it onto an album, Heaven Sinner - why? Listen to the sample - then you tell me...

First, Like a Feather, the main track from the first album - funk city. Love the hand claps. The live track, Hope it Felt Good, actually doesn't sound half bad, for a live recording (although Nikka's voice gets a wee-bit screechy, especially when she hits those high notes --- often sounding a little something along the lines of Janis Joplin's sex-kitten grand-daughter. Watch out for ear bleeds...)

And then there's Heaven Sinner. Whooo-boy.

Let me put it this way... tonight at work, I cranked this tune up so loud on my iPod that the folks two cubicles away could hear it through my headphones, and my libido shot through the roof.

So. My advice? If you miss the vibe of a real band, especially one playing old school, 70's style funk layered through with crunchy wah-wah guitar riffs, sweet melodies and more than a generous dollop of brassy vocals, you'll dig Nikka Costa. And the Like a Feather CD single? Buy it, or download it, just for Heaven Sinner. Seriously - You won't be sorry.

Nikka rocks.

I bought this for the extra track (I've already got the album, which was great). Heaven Sinner is smolderingly hot and I think it should have been on the album. Luckily I found it and if you like her works then you should definitely get this.

I got this for the title track, which is a great song, danceable, groovin' etc. However, I was looking forward to seeing if the rest was any good.....not really. I can't judge the artist from the other two tracks on the disk....maybe her other stuff is ok.

This is an excellent album. I was shocked to find she was a white chick!; she has the voice of on old blue's singer. Her music is covered in soul, a bit funky and down right rippin' at times. On songs like "Hope It Felt Good," "Nikka Who?, and "Like A Feather", you know the band knows how and loves to rock. "Just Because" will have you feeling the blue's over a past love. The one you let go.

If you dig soul music...along with screaming guitar you will be glad you were turned on to Nikka Costa.

First of all, never, never did I think I'd actually ever blow my hard-earned cash and buy a CD single.

Well.

Never say never.

I picked up Nikka Costa's first major studio album Everybody Got Their Something (coming after 1996's long-out-of-print Butterfly Rocket) on a whim. Promptly fell in love with Costa's growly-waily voice and her smokin' blend of funk-rock. Bought her follow-up, Can'tneverdidnothin', literally minutes later, dropped the disc in in my car's deck, it's been there ever since.

Wowwowowwow

I'm hooked. It's been a long time since this jaded ex-record store employee got this excited about new music. It's been a long time for there to be new music to get excited about.

Anyway. Getting on to reviewing the single. Convictions be damned - I bought it - on yet another whim. Heck, the blang thing was only a couple bucks. That's justifiable, right? Besides, I just hadda have that one, lonely song that didn't make it onto an album, Heaven Sinner - why? Listen to the sample - then you tell me...

First, Like a Feather, the main track from the first album - funk city. Love the hand claps. The live track, Hope it Felt Good, actually doesn't sound half bad, for a live recording (although Nikka's voice gets a wee-bit screechy, especially when she hits those high notes --- often sounding a little something along the lines of Janis Joplin's sex-kitten grand-daughter. Watch out for ear bleeds...)

And then there's Heaven Sinner. Whooo-boy.

Let me put it this way... tonight at work, I cranked this tune up so loud on my iPod that the folks two cubicles away could hear it through my headphones, and my libido shot through the roof.

So. My advice? If you miss the vibe of a real band, especially one playing old school, 70's style funk layered through with crunchy wah-wah guitar riffs, sweet melodies and more than a generous dollop of brassy vocals, you'll dig Nikka Costa. And the Like a Feather CD single? Buy it, or download it, just for Heaven Sinner. Seriously - You won't be sorry.

Nikka rocks.

I bought this for the extra track (I've already got the album, which was great). Heaven Sinner is smolderingly hot and I think it should have been on the album. Luckily I found it and if you like her works then you should definitely get this.

I got this for the title track, which is a great song, danceable, groovin' etc. However, I was looking forward to seeing if the rest was any good.....not really. I can't judge the artist from the other two tracks on the disk....maybe her other stuff is ok.