Some people might recognize Nu Shooz from their 1986 top ten hit single "I Can't Wait". Two decades later Nu Shooz comes back in an orchestra format with the album Pandora's Box.

More than a third of music on this album has a distinct funk groove, but most of Nu Shooz music has a blend of textures and sounds with elements of world music, pop with a touch of jazz. On "Spy vs Spy" Nu Shooz arrangements gives the music a cinematic feel, while "Miles Beneath The Sea" starts with a classical feel before turning into a jazz waltz. Something in the lyrics on this one reminds me of Tom Jobim's Aguas de Marco.

The brazilian influence is more evident in the modern bossa beat of "Right Before My Eyes". Another hightlight on this release is the tango-like "Pandora's Box".

The jazzier tracks are the last two, the smooth jazz ballad "Driftin" and the funk/jazz "Spring Can Really Hang You Up The Most" which contains the best improvisations on the album,

And for a little nostalgia, Pandora's Box also includes a smooth, jazzier new version of their hit "I Can't Wait".

Tracks: Welcome to my Daydream, Spy vs. Spy, Right before my eyes, Pandora's Box, Color of Everything, Looking Glass, Miles beneath the sea, Before the fall, Charade, Skeets beni, (The return of) Point of no return, Spring can really hang you up the most, Driftin.

Musicians: Valerie Day: vocals, congas. John Smith: guitar, piano. Drew Shoals: drums. Dennis Caiazza: bass. Mike Horsfall: vibes. Tim Jensen: Woodwinds. Paul Mazzio: Trumpet, flugelhorn. Lars Campbell: Trombone. Justin Kagan, Skip Von Kuske: cello.