Since her time with Disney, starring in the television movie Camp Rock and its sequel, pop princess in training Demi Lovato has blossomed in front of the eyes of the American audience. After a brief stint in rehab siting mental issues, the artist released her third studio album, Unbroken, which featured some of her biggest hits to date, “Skyscraper” and “Give Your Heart A Break”. Following her judging stint on The X Factor, alongside Simon Cowell and Britney Spears, Lovato is returning to the music scene with a new full length album, Demi, set for a May 16 release. Preceded by the top ten hit “Heart Attack”, the record is an anticipated release for the pop loving community.
The album’s lead single, “Heart Attack”, was a fiery, Kelly Clarkson-inspired kickoff to the new project. Featuring an impressive vocal performance and electro-pop production, the track had to overcome mediocre songwriting referencing Ken dolls and basketballs. While the first single was not as incredible as other songs found on her previous album, it kept the singer on the right path of a much deserved pop takeover.
Comparisons will be made to Miley Cyrus just for its title, but “Made in the USA” stands on its own. While portions do sound somewhat familiar to “Halo” and “Already Gone”, Lovato’s distinct voice carries the song of an American made love. Not sure what that really means though. “No matter how far we go, I want the whole world to know, I want you back,” the artist sings.
“Without the Love” describes the heartbreaking story of a deceptive lover and we all know Lovato is not the girl that likes to be played. The artist sings of not knowing the stranger who has been in her life all this time. While the writing on the verses is commendable, the flat chorus and the overall product do not come off as some of her strongest efforts.
After a few mid-tempo ballads, Lovato lets the dance queen that’s buried within out for a chance to shine. “Neon Lights” has number one dance hit written all over it with radio friendly beats and lyrics supporting the artist’s soaring vocals. When critics and fans call Lovato the future of pop, this is the number they were waiting to hear. Try not to move when the track comes through the speakers.
A set of drums open the slow starting “Two Pieces”. Forty seconds in, the pace picks up and instrumentals begin to crash down, in the best way possible. “Cuz we fit together, like two pieces of a broken heart”, Lovato sings of a forming love. First love certainly does crazy things to everyone and the song seems to be chronicling just what it does to our pop princess.
Lovato usually excels on the traditional ballad and “Nightingale” falls in the category. The singer is feeling like hell and needs someone’s melody to help her get through the pain. While the vocals are near perfect, as beautiful as can be, the material seems a little stale. It is definitely a bright moment for the album. It is not weighed down by heavy production and shows the growth of star.
Demo versions of “In Case” have been swirling around the web for some time and now the finished product has surfaced on the album. What a treat. The piano-driven ballad keeps a simple pace for the three and a half minutes, highlighting the vocals of Lovato which stand out once again. While all the pieces of the track come together nicely, it is the chorus that takes it to a noteworthy level.
A drastic change occurs with “Really Don’t Care” featuring Cher Lloyd. With a sassy attitude, upbeat background production and some chanting thrown in for good measure, the song will surely become an anthem for all the broken hearts of the summer. The carefree vibe pairs well with the lyrics, telling a story of independence and strength. Did Miss Lovato just say she was throwing one finger in the air? Such a rebel.
“Firestarter” is another Top 40 pop-sounding experiment for the artist. Again, Lovato warns potential suitors he is no longer a timid young girl, even referencing herself as a “badass”. “I’m a sweet disaster, I light hearts on fire”, she sings. The song is good, nothing great or bad, I enjoy the techno inspirations thrown in, but this track does not do an amazing job at standing out from the pack.
Pop/rock is usually Lovato’s specialty and “Something That We’re Not” takes the artist back to her roots. Dedicated to all the delusional, love-struck boys in her life, Lovato makes it clear they will never be more than her friend. The fast pace, the delivery of the lyrics, the fierce attitude are things I love from a Demi song and I’m glad they are all present. P.S. lose the spoken word portion.
The album keeps shaping itself as the perfect collection for a lovesick teenage as “Never Been Hurt” comes up next on the track list. Comparisons to Robyn have never left my head when listening to music from Lovato and they come up again. Certain lines remind me of “Indestructible” by the Swedish dance diva, but this song is completely different and it’s a reason why I love it.
Lovato’s stripped down vocals set up “ Shouldn't Come Back”, an acoustic-sounding moment that seems out of place when compared to the rest of the album. “All the birthdays you missed, I was only a kid”, the artist sings, pouring every emotion into every word. It becomes clear the track is another open letter to her father, and nothing makes for a convincing performance than an unhealed heart.
To close the album, “Warrior” gives critics and speculators one more reason to take the young artist seriously, as a real contender for the pop crown. The slow ballad describes Lovato’s strength and perseverance, the ability to rise from the ashes. The production helps the singer shine as bright as she can, never overshadowing her talents. As a closing track, it is a job well done, finishing on an extremely high note.
Demi is already the fourth studio album from former Disney princess turned pop starlet Demi Lovato. While the singer never caught my attention with her first two efforts, her last and this new collection has opened my eyes to her immense talents and lovable personality. While most of the track stays true to who Lovato is as an artist, the emotional, string-assisted ballads, she does show he is capable of much more, including revengeful summer tunes and dance floor-ready anthems. Every song features incredible vocals and top notch production, it’s hard to find something to not like. As a whole, the album receives a well deserving 90%.
Tracks to Hear: “Neon Lights”, “In Case”, “Never Been Hurt” and “ Shouldn't Come Back”
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