Demi Lovato is yet another Disney kid to follow in the footsteps of singers such as Selena Gomez, and Miley Cyrus. Her latest album is her 6th since her 2008 debut Don’t Forget, and it is set to be equally as successful…
Her past is filled with as much darkness as there is light, a common theme when discussing young superstars. From cheerleading with the Dallas Cowboys NFL team in her hometown, to working with Disney from a young age, her career has been a quick rise to the top. With these immense pressures it is no wonder that so many acts turn to drugs, self-harm, or suffer with mental illness; Lovato has been unfortunate enough to run into all three. While her addictions and eating disorders appear to be a thing of the past, she does not appear to shy away from speaking or singing about them.
You may expect these themes to have influenced a sombre musical palette, but her tracks are often more party-friendly than tear-jerker; even if the lyrical content can be emotionally challenging. Lovato has never feared power ballads, and in fact some of her finest moments have come in the form of epic songs (listen to “Skyscraper” from Unbroken if you need proof). She has cited Christina Aguilera, Kelly Clarkson and John Mayer as influences, and with a voice as strong as hers, she can even give Adele a run for her money at times. Lovato is far from a one trick pony however, as on this album she produces a hybrid of R&B/hip-hop and pop that sits more comfortably alongside Beyoncé or Rihanna.
As the album begins, we hear the familiar sounds of “Sorry Not Sorry” which has already been making big waves. It is a sassy introduction for a equally confident release, and fans of Jessie J will be on board. The title track “Tell Me You Love Me” follows, taking a step back and retreating slightly for the introduction. It is both a cry for help, and a bold statement of self worth, with plenty of spine-tingling moments. Her vocal acrobatics are going for gold on this one, and even though it may not be the most groundbreaking pop song, it is a thrilling 4 minutes.
This album has a more musically mature approach than some of her previous works, but her youthful energy is still apparent on tracks such as “Sexy Dirty Love”. Here, she openly admits her flaws, not for the first or last time. On “You Don’t Do It For Me Anymore”, both the production and vocal performance make you stop and take note. The beautifully minimal beat and reversed strings inspire the album’s most emotive vocals. This journey through the octaves is a real testament to Lovato’s ability, showing off her skills without over doing it. Adele would be proud, not just of the singing, but of the story she tells. If you pay attention, you will hear that this is a breakup song about her addictions though, not her past lovers. This is not the only time that her soul is bared on this record, with other track titles such as “Daddy Issues” and “Ruin The Friendship”.
There is much less EDM and club influence this time around, but that does not mean she has ditched the electronic elements. There is in fact, a decent blend of acoustic instrumentation as well, but the defining tracks are the modern R&B pieces such as “Lonely”. With its thumping 808 bass and hi hat spritzes, smooth, rich chords and stunning backing vocals, there is a lot to like. The track hits with huge impact, with or without the swearing, Lil Wayne lends a hand but Lovato really does not need it here. On “Lonely” you can hear influences from Frank Ocean and The Weeknd, and it is much more contemporary than the more traditional rock-soul-pop of “Cry Baby”.
“Games” sees Lovato return to a more flirty, casual, brand of pop. It is another one of the album’s highlights, that references some 90’s/early 2000’s R&B, without getting lost in nostalgia. There are few bad tracks, but towards the fifteenth song, some may begin to lose interest. Luckily the Jax Jones-produced “Instruction” is a contrasting injection of energy. Following the recent chart trend of UK funky/reggaeton rhythms, it also features British artist Stefflon Don. It is an undeniably catchy track, but does it sit comfortably on this project?
There is so much to talk about this album, and with so many tracks there will surely be something for everyone. She has kept her teen fans in mind, without forgetting her more adult listeners too. It may not be breaking the mould as such, but it does achieve what it set out to. Come and make your mind up at your local Richer Sounds store today!
