By Grace Dietz
Staff Writer
Camila Cabello shocked listeners with the release of her new debut album, “Camila.” As an album for a new solo artist, “Camila” is justification that Cabello has much more to offer in her budding career than catchy radio hits.
“Camila” features soulful melodies which incorporate themes of heartbreak and loneliness. The prevalent melancholy in some tracks and playful lyrics in others balance each other out, and Cabello’s powerful vocals and enticing new beats keep listeners intrigued. The vulnerability present in the album shows Cabello’s refreshing new sound as a solo artist.
“Camila” was produced by Frank Dukes under Epic Records and Syco Music and was originally titled “The Hurting. The Healing. The Loving.” In less than 24 hours after the release of “Camila,” it broke the record for having the most #1 iTunes positions in America for a debut album. Cabello worked with other popular artists, such as Pharrell Williams and Young Thug.
Cabello was previously a member of Fifth Harmony from 2012 to 2016. While in Fifth Harmony, Cabello also collaborated with Shawn Mendes for “I Know What You Did Last Summer” and Machine Gun Kelly for “Bad Things.” As a solo artist, her lead single, “Havana” reached the #2 position on Billboard’s Hot 100.
“Camila” gives eye-opening insight to Cabello’s internal struggles. Throughout the album, Cabello discusses certain relationships she’s had in an enlightening way, with heart-breaking lyrics and astonishing beats. Cabello additionally explores her origins with “Havana.” The catchy beat and enthusiastic vocals make the track worth listening to.
The themes of heartbreak, love, and loneliness are most common in “Camila.” The strongest of these themes is heartbreak, which is strongly portrayed in “Consequences.” The somber lyrics and empowering vocals add to the overall melancholy theme of heartbreak in this track. Loneliness is depicted in “Real Friends” as Cabello talks about not being able to make genuine friends.
The sorrowful lyrics in certain tracks and upbeat personality in other songs creatively balance each other out, as some tracks are slow with empowering messages and others are upbeat with energetic lyrics. The song order of “Camila” is amazing and the lyrics offer significant insight to Cabello’s life.
“Camila” incorporates heartfelt vocals and enticing beats. Cabello’s choice to make her songs concise adds substance to the overall sound of the album and allows the listener to focus on the themes included in the diverse songs.
Cabello is refreshingly sincere in “Camila,” as she passionately expresses her feelings through her songs. Cabello is intriguingly genuine in “Something’s Gotta Give” as she sings about letting go of toxicity in her life. The soulful lyrics and spiritual vocals move the listener and bring out Cabello’s grief-stricken side.
“Camila” is surprisingly pure with truthful lyrics and remarkable amounts of authenticity. The emotional themes of heartbreak and loneliness and the rhythmic beats of specific tracks are raw and original. The contrasting tempos of songs in “Camila” balance out and keep the listeners’ attention.
“Camila” is available to stream on Spotify and YouTube and can be purchased on iTunes for $9.99.
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