Making an impressive comeback with 2011’s Unbroken, 20 year-old Demi Lovato is clearly still on a roll, as she released her fourth studio album, Demi, on May 14th. Via Twitter, Lovato encouraged her followers to “unlock” the album’s song titles using hashtags, essentially leaking her own album. By now, everyone knows the heartbreaking story associated with the once-troubled childhood Disney star, but Lovato continues to wow everyone with her powerful range and stellar songwriting skills. In Demi, Lovato once again gets very personal, exposing more pieces of her hidden dark side and self struggles. “Heart Attack,” being the first single released, lets fans know that Demi is “puttin’ [her] defences up, ’cause [she doesn’t] wanna fall in love.” The booming beat in the background blends seamlessly with Lovato’s powerful soprano voice, featuring a range that lingers on several long notes in the song.
The album’s soon-to-be-released second single is pop-rock anthem “Made in the USA.” The track is upbeat and crowd-pleasing, yet still heartfelt. With an addicting chorus, Lovato holds the attention of listeners, instilling a sense of pride in them as she references America. In “Really Don’t Care (feat. Cher Lloyd),” the only collaboration track on Demi, Lovato flaunts her indifference towards an ex and shows off a surplus of attitude, with the help of British pop/hip-hip princess, the one-and-only Cher Lloyd.
Aside from these frontrunners, there are a couple more tracks off of Demi that are quick to catch fans’ attention. “Two Pieces” and “Never Been Hurt,” although both are heartwrenchingly sad, seem to be prime examples of Lovato’s most beautiful professional work. The two songs complement each other perfectly, both showcasing the tenderness of young love and loss. Also, due to the success of Unbroken‘s “Skyscraper,” Lovato has become known for her deeply personal ballads, and Demi definitely has its fair share. “Warrior” and “Nightingale” are Lovato’s most natural, raw tracks, giving the album a little more depth with their shady, melancholy themes.
It’s safe to say that Demi could be Lovato’s best work to date. Long-time Demi superfan, senior Ashley Hardy shares her thoughts on the album, “This album is legit perfection, just like the person who wrote it.” By indulging even deeper into her personal life, Lovato took risks in making Demi an updated version of her matured, classy, newly-polished self. Those risks undeniably paid off.
