*** MIISA
(NMC)
Debut singer Miisa, from Finland, stars in one of the
year's best diva-styled CDs. Eurobeats, house grooves, and actressy slow songs
all work even though there isn't much soulfulness in her careful singing and no
vulnerability at all -- which means no drama. Credit Cris Owen, who, as Miisa's
producer, serves up soft melodies and crisp rhythms. His feel for the
enticements underlying every dance-music cliché brings her solid
sendings directly to the center. Because he knows how to play up the niceties
of Eurobeat ("All or Nothing," "How Will I Know"), the froth of happy house
("Hold On," "Get Ready") and dream dance ("P.F.B."), funky sleaze's sweaty
progressions ("Heart to Heart"), and diva fire ("Get On the Move"), he ensures
that when Miisa's singing does leap into one of his resolute mixes there's
never a moment's doubt where she wants to go or what she's after -- or that
she, truly a diva, relishes being forceful in the spotlight.
-- Michael Freedberg