Canadian Youtube star turned Def Jam recording artist Alessia Cara released her debut album “Know-it-All” on November 13. The album is equal parts up-tempo pop songs and heartfelt ballads and manages to work mature reflections of teenage life into the lyrics of every song. This is all despite that fact that Cara’s still only 19.
The album’s lead single, “Here,” is a delightfully downtempo pop song. The song’s hazy beginnings lead into a strong beat and lyrics that read more like a slam poem than a pop song. Cara’s anti-social lyrics explain a situation we’ve all been in at some party or another. A stripped down version of the hit is also included on the album. Both are good in their own right, but the 2 a.m. version puts a greater focus on Cara’s voice, the thing that largely makes the song so easy to listen to.
The album’s first five tracks which made up Cara’s debut EP, “Four Pink Walls,” mesh perfectly with the album’s five additional tracks. There was no change in the order of the tracks between the EP and the full length album, with the final five tracks picking up where the EP ended. Of the newly released songs, “Wild Things,” stands out. The track’s simple but solid percussion lays the base for even more insightful lyrics. Not many songs can pull off lyrics like “pious” and “rebel rouse.” It’s dance-able, but still manages to maintain the depth of the rest of the album. The track is filled with empowering lines, and Cara’s lyrics are unapologetically strong, just what a pop song should be every once in awhile.
Despite the similarity in many of the songs - the nearly identical tempos and similar themes - the album is rarely repetitive. Most of the songs have similarly uplifting lyrics, which never really gets old. The slower, less upbeat pop songs, there is considerably less variety. Among the ballads on the album, “Stone” is the only standout. That’s not to say that the others aren’t good, they just aren’t as good. Cara’s voice transitions flawlessly between the uptempo pop songs the more soulful ballads. Where the lyrics in "Here" and "Wild Things" spoke depths about teen life, there isn't the same depth in the love songs."Know-It-All" is a strong debut and clearly it is already seeing success. There is of course room for growth and variety in the future, but it is clear that Cara's vocal and songwriting talent is there. The album exhibits her ability to write songs that are not only able to climb the charts but also have a deeper meaning.
4/5 Stars
