Just like Shawn Mendes before her, Alessia Cara made a name for herself doing great covers on YouTube. Now with the release of her debut album (the US and Canada got it last year, here in Australia we got it last week), she has proven she is more than a cover's singer - she is a star in her own right.
The first thing you have to notice about Alessia Cara is that beautifully distinctive voice, so rich and soulful for only being 19. She's an artist with a bright future who is only going to get better with age. It's easy to compare this album to the early work of Amy Winehouse, Duffy and even Adele. Her voice is uplifting and special and is the true highlight of a very strong album.
Alessia covers all the bases here, pop anthems, slow grooves and beautiful ballads. She is a self aware teen with something to say and while some lyrics may come off as naive, isn't that what we want from our youth, idealism? Her writing is strong and will only get better as the years pass.
First single, "Here', was such a beautiful introduction to Cara, an anthem for those who feel awkward at social gatherings. The song has a great ability to make you smile and feel awkward, all at one time. She proves herself a great storyteller here, we've all been at that party - the memory is almost painful, "Oh God what am I doing here?"
Second single, "Wild Things", is my favourite on the album. This is such a damn fine anthem for a disaffected generation. A slice of pop perfection, the track is lyrically powerful, "Cause we don't need your policies, we have no apologises for being". A solid song that deserves the same radio airplay that "Here" received.
Other album highlights include, "Seventeen", which may just have been inspired by Lorde, it has a great beat and is wonderfully emotive. "I'm Yours" has a sweet honesty and some great lyrics and vocals and "River of Tears" is truly a special tune. "Stone" is simply beautiful, "I think I think too much", it's so easy to relate to these songs and the album is so easy to listen to.
What a great debut album. Alessia Cara is an artist to watch, a genuinely fascinating young artist with one helluva voice!
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