I originally caught Anastacia on MTV's 'The Cut.' Her voice blew me away with the range and soul her voice delivers. I was in Europe recently and heard her on MTV. I was able to pick up the new US released album early and it delivers the goods. The song 'I'm outta love' has already hit it big internationally-- great dance song which I'm sure will be in the clubs (and on the radio) soon. What I liked about the album though is the diversity in the style of songs on this album. There is a country-infused track (Cowboys & Kisses), a love song whichs sound as if Taylor Dayne sang it (I ask of you), to songs with a heavy R&B flavor (Yo Trippin,Made for Lovin You, and Don'tcha Wanna). Personal favorites are 'Late Last Night' and 'Who's Going to Stop the Rain'. It's refreshing to hear an artist with a distinctive and powerful voice that's not right out of highschool singing adolescent pop. It's 13 tracks are enjoyable to listen to from start to finish. One of the best albums I have heard in a long time!

I have heard "I'm outta love" several times and couldn't find out who the artist was. P-H-E-N-O-M-I-N-A-L voice!!! Finally, after digging and digging and digging I found out that Anastacia was the singer. I've seen her on tv before but never heard her voice. How in the heck this tiny, beautiful white girl has such a powerful, soulful voice beats the heck out of me. The voice doesn't match her looks but obviously she's got the best of everything going for her. BUY this CD! WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

To begin with, Amazon.com (annoyingly) doesn't have the UK edition of this album in stock at all, so I am writing this review in song order as it is on the UK edition. When I first saw the video to Anastacia's debut single I'm Outta Love in September 2000, I instantly began looking for flaws. I didn't like her voice, the way she dressed and that darn song...yet it was kinda catchy, wasn't it?! Over time she grew on me and it was with the single Not That Kind that made me buy this album. Well I have to say that this is one of the most mature, catchy and accomplished debut albums I have ever heard. The album went on to sell inexcess of 6 million copies worldwide and contains 4 massive worldwide hits...

Not That Kind begins with the album's title track, Not That Kind (10/10). This song has an amazing bassline with some brilliant girl-power lyrics and catchy, melodic beats. Anastacia's voice is so powerful, even in the verses where the song is a lot more low-lying than at the choruses. This song was the second single to be taken from Not That Kind in February 2001, where it peaked at No.11 in the UK. Track 2 is I'm Outta Love (10/10). This is without a doubt Anastacia's most famous song to date. Her debut single, it peaked at No.6 in the UK in September 2000, stayed in the Top 10 for months and was No.1 all over Europe. The bassline is incredibly catchy and the lyrics are more of the same with Not That Kind; girl-power to the max! Track 3 is Cowboys & Kisses (9/10). This was the third single to be taken from Not That Kind in May 2001 and peaked at a lowly No.29 in the UK. The video is not very memorable - I don't even think I can remember what happens in it! The song however is a more indie-rock song with superb guitars and various instruments. Track 4 is Who's Gonna Stop The Rain (9/10). Like I mentioned on my review of Freak Of Nature (Anastacia's second album), every Anastacia album has the power ballad - for Not That Kind, it's Who's Gonna Stop The Rain. The beats along with the lyrics are incredibly powerful, while Anastacia's voice is on top-form again. Track 5 is Love Is Alive (10/10). This is definitely the best song on the album...well, for me anyway. This is just such a catchy song with a superb bassline and electrifying vocals from the girl with the big voice. I just love the verses and the bridges - top class song from Anastacia!

Track 6 is I Ask Of You (9/10). This is another excellent ballad from Anastacia - one of the best on the album. That's about it! Track 7 is Wishing Well (10/10). A lot of people think this song is rubbish, but I love it. The song is very simple lyrics wise - they're easy to learn because they're quick and fast. Not That Kind continues with the superb Made For Lovin' You (10/10). The fourth and final single to be taken from Not That Kind, this song only just peaked inside the Top 30 in the UK, which is a shame because it really is a superb pop song. The lyrics are a bit simple, yet the trademark funky bassline and Anastacia's gravely vocals make up for it. Track 9 is Black Roses (10/10). This is another brilliant ballad from Anastacia who sounds a lot like Tina Turner on this song. Track 10 is Yo Trippin' (10/10). This song has a superb blend of R'n'B and more importantly, soul! It comes as a great welcome considering most of the album is full of ballads. Track 11 is One More Chance (8/10). This is yet another (zzzzzzz...) slow smoochy ballad from Anastacia. This is basically a repeat of every other single ballad on Not That Kind. Track 12 is Same Old Story (9/10). This is a great song to close this amazing album - it's different to every other song on the album. The lyrics are catchy and follow a certain pattern while, as the song ends, a gospel choir enters and warble away to their heart's content. Not the best song on the album, but a superb one to close it!

OVERALL GRADE: 9/10

From other customer's reviews of Not That Kind, I think I can safely say without any hesitation that this album is excellent - and that Anastacia is even more brilliant! If you've heard all the singles taken from Not That Kind (how could you not?!), then I strongly suggest to you buy it now from Amazon!

Anastacia is one of a now-rare breed of singers -- one with talent and skill, a mature outlook and toe-tapping music. Rather than a teenybopper clone, she's a fully adult woman with nuances of genuine feeling in her very catchy songs. "Not That Kind" is not quite as even as her second album, "Freak of Nature," but it's solid and thoroughly enjoyable.

The title track is a bit repetitive but overall sung and performed well. "I'm Outta Love" outperforms "Not That Kind," catchy and featuring Anastacia's throaty voice as the centerpiece, alternating between a high tempo and a softer background percussion. "Cowboys and Kisses" was one of the few songs that grated on me, as it wasn't up to the rest of the album musically, with a too-present guitar and a talky set of lyrics. "Why'd You Lie To Me" is outstanding, using the guitar as it should be used, and Anastacia manages to give the song genuine feeling about "you've been creeping/creeping, sleeping with another!" "Who's Gonna Stop the Rain" is outstandingly poignant in its lyrics, soft in its cooing music, and Anastacia's voice rises and falls beautifully. Ballad "I Ask Of You" is somewhat typical in its lyrics, but is beautifully performed. "Doncha Wanna" is initially a strong song, but it also gets a bit repetitive, and Anastacia's voice is drowned out by the synthesized music.

"Late Last Night" is a bit of a mix of "I Ask of You" and "Why'd You Lie to Me," a resigned song about a woman witnessing her husband's infidelity and telling him to get lost. "Made For Lovin' You" is also a slightly cliched song, but Anastacia pulls it off despite the synthesized music drowning her a little. "Black Roses" is another ballad, an unusual one with beautiful vocals, lyrics and music. "Yo Trippin'" is a bouncy, funky pop song where she whispers the words "yo trippin'" during the chorus. "One More Chance" gives Anastacia's voice a chance to soar against the backdrop of low-key ballad music. The album rounds off with "Same Old Story," a toe-tapping song that is somewhere between pop and ballad, not exceptional in any way but definitely worth listening to.

Anastacia's voice is the centerpiece of this album; unlike many of her fellow singers, she is best when her voice is heard clearly, rather than focusing on the music that so often covers it. It's throaty, husky, has an amazing range and can tackle ballads and pop with equal skill. Her voice only seems to falter when the music becomes too overwhelming. The songs are also refreshingly independent: rather than moping about cheating boyfriends/spouses, the attitude is kick-the-lying-scum-out while regretting the losses and betrayal.

Those considering buying this album should note that two of the tracks on this are also on "Freak of Nature." But for a great album from a deservedly rising star, "Not That Kind" will definitely satisfy.

I have waited a few months for this CD! I bought her first two singles. They are NOT THAT KIND and I'M OUTTA LOVE and loved them!! I knew if the rest of her debut was as great, I would be in music heaven! Today, the cd was finally released.... I just finished listening to it and I must say I am so happy!!! Every track is absolutely amazing! She can be fiesty and full of grit and spunk on one track and the next be emotional and sing a great ballad! She is truly amazing! Her voice is a very husky raspy sort of sound and I love it!! Anyone who wants to hear a great new artist, go pick this album up! You will be glad you did! GO ANASTACIA!!! I also saw her on Elton John's special and was amazed at her stage presence!