The transition from TV/reality show "actress" to credible pop singer can be somewhat exhausting to witness (see Kim Kardashian, Paris Hilton, Tila Tequila for prime examples), but thankfully there are those very few who make the experience worthwhile. Case in point: Hilary Duff, Jennifer Lopez, Zendaya, etc.
Lea Michele, breakout star of TV's critically-acclaimed Glee, can be added to the latter group as she announced plans for a debut album attempt last year. Preceded by Sia-written, pop anthem, lead single "Cannonball", plans for Louder were quickly underway and many thought the expected transition from TV darling to chart topping hitmaker would be a complete failure. However, with personal, heartbreaking songs such as "If You Say So" making their way out before the album's release, it seems Michele is putting her naysayers to rest with a solid pop effort featuring top notch songwriting and powerhouse vocal performances.
Lead single "Cannonball" is a strong debut, but it was, how do we say?.... expected. Written by pop go-to girl Sia, the soaring empowerment anthem was given to Michele shortly after the passing of her boyfriend, and Glee co-star, Cory Monteith. "I got this new beginning and I will fly, I will fly like a cannonball," the actress/singer belts on the chorus which really makes the song a worthy, Top 40-ready choice for a debut single.
While I was afraid to experience an album featuring slow ballad after over dramatic fluff, Michele provides a shocking uptempo moment with "On My Way". With references to intoxication and drunk driving, the artist sings of a love that may not be right for either party involved. The song may not be a brilliant piece of pop, it's been done before, but the unexpected sound allows more listeners to find a liking for the former Broadway star.
"Burn With You" is one of those rare "wow" moments the album needed. As Michele sings "I don't want to go to heaven, if you are going to hell, I will burn with you", you know the girl is not playing around as she pours all her emotions into the impressive pop number. The singer's vocals are near perfection as the production does a swell job at adding to the impact of the final result. It's dramatic, over-the-top, but all worth it.
In December, Michele premiered "Battlefield", a proper ballad that emphasizes the actress' strengths as a vocalist. The Glee star sounds as if in her comfort zone with minimal background noise and a soaring chorus as her voice builds up to the climatic finish. Michele is struggling with the fact that she must let go of the one she loves, causing a war to play out on a battlefield. Yes, it's about love, but that's not a problem here.
As if on the Broadway stage once again, Michele brilliantly delivers "You're Mine", one of the album's brightest moments. The mid-tempo pop delight starts off shaky, only to immediately change into a well-arranged piece with Michele's lush vocals being supported by an orchestra as she sings of belonging to someone for life. This is a song that builds and builds, desperately begging for some radio attention.
Michele has a great set of pipes, not doubt about that, however, trying to picture her as a uptempo pop kind of girl was difficult. The title track is a loud, proud piece of dance/pop built around an infectious chorus that will get anyone on their feet. "I just want to hear your voice, don't be afraid, why don't you scream a little louder," she asks in the piece of overcoming obstacles. "Louder" follows the typical Top 40 formula, but proves to be enjoyable.
"Cue the Rain" impressively showcases Michele's range and ability to hold a note, also highlights her songwriting talents, but there is just something that keeps it from reaching full potential. The artist delivers another mid-tempo ballad in vein of the five that preceded it. Sounding similar to fellow pop starlet Demi Lovato, the track recycles heartbreaking subject matter and becomes just an average listen.
The new pop star tries her hands at another upbeat pop track, but the end results of "Don't Let Go" are not as successful as previous attempts. Vocals are spot on, the progression is quick and "sing-along" worthy, but the song fails due to amateur songwriting. Apparently Michele wants to fly as high as a kite, never wanting to touch the ground. A kite? Really. Let's just forget about this one misstep and all will be forgiven.
Piano-driven "Empty Handed" is one track receiving immense praise from numerous critics for all the right reasons. Stuck somewhere in between the pop and rock genres, Michele's delicate vocals shine bright with minimal instrumental support as she sings of finally letting love into your life. The beautiful ballad is a strong effort for the debut, sounding as if influenced by pop/rock chart toppers of the mid 90s. Stuck on replay!
The album closes out with "If You Say So", apparently inspired by the last words Monteith spoke to Michele before his death. The actress is still trying to cope with the recent passing as she sings of missing her lover's warm embrace. "It's been seven whole days, since I heard your voice," Michele devastatingly sings on the second piano-driven ballad that finishes the debut album on the highest positive note possible.
Louder is a debut album tailored for Top 40 exposure and constant airplay, filled with melodramatic ballads of love, heartbreak and death. While most albums to follow the same structure crumble instantly because of redundancy and mediocre songwriting, Michele succeeds thanks to powerful vocals which prove a successful transition from the TV screen to the car stereo. The album is a extremely personal journey and experience for the artist and it shows as Michele pours her soul into ever track, even the decent uptempo creations. Some tracks do sound similar to each other, but her voice makes up for mistakes. The album receives a 84%.
Tracks to Hear: "Burn With You", "You're Mine", "Louder" and "If You Say So"
)
0 Yorumlar