A diamond in the rough

Nikka Costa, the daughter of Don Costa, brings an old-school funk-and-soul sound that is seldom heard anymore to her new album Pebble to a Pearl.

And although she is generally better known in Europe and elsewhere around the world than here in the United States, this album promises to make more of a splash with the great sound and backing of Stax Records. 

Throughout the album it seems Costa adapts her sound to span various ages and genres of music. “Stuck to You” takes on a catchy doo-wop style with a funky edge, while “Keep Pushin’” is reminiscent of some R&B songs of the early ’90s.

Costa’s voice is remarkably similar to Tina Turner’s, especially in the upbeat “Can’t Please Everybody,” yet she is also able to dial back and make it soft in the album’s title track. 

And although her vocal ability is not outstanding, the quality of Costa’s voice is perfect for the songs she sings. They’re not too complicated but still catchy. Most of the songs pertain to the usual content: love, denial, personal relationships and even more love issues. 

The songs aren’t going to cause an epiphany and the lyrics are nothing inspiring, but the melody and beat that support them are pleasant and catchy. Even with long instrumental pauses, the music seems secondary to Costa’s voice, which is evenly toned and soothing in a great way.  

Pebble to a Pearl is not a must-have addition to every music collection by any means, but perhaps a worthwhile addition for fans of unique easy-listening tunes. While the last half of the album falls short after the spectacular title track, Pebble to a Pearl is somehow refreshingly familiar.