The Best of Nelly Furtado

Slinky and sly, R&B princess Furtado compiles a smart double-disc retrospective that bristles with energy and groovy beats. Playful production serves Furtado’s giddy cool, her witty lyrics streetsmart without ever straining credibility. Furtado plays like Jill Scott’s rebel kid sister and Alicia Keys’ feisty next-door neighbor, tripping down musical hip-hop hoods with a seasoned pop star’s kick-back confidence. Geffen  Records (interscope.com). —Review: Steven Foster