On the cover of her ninth studio album, Demi Lovato stands at the forefront of a world that revolves around her, regardless of whether those around her take notice. A child kicks a football, elderly men spend their afternoon playing chess, and a paparazzo captures another star off-screen. Lovato seems unfazed, understanding something she hadn’t previously: It’s Not That Deep.
Produced by Zhone, the album touches on casual flings, significant heartbreaks, and an acceptance of her current position nearly two decades into her career. At just thirty minutes, the record flows swiftly enough for a quick dance break, a moment to catch one's breath, and to return and groove to your favorite track—each song on this album makes it difficult to choose just one.
Lovato expressed, “This album signifies an exciting chapter for me, filled with joy, freedom, and lightness. Making this album was the most enjoyable experience I've had in the studio.”
You can sense this joy: in ‘Fast’, the album's opening track, Lovato is back on the breakbeat and ready to have a good time.
‘Here All Night’ epitomizes this new era; although it comes across as a heartbreak anthem, it is equally a tribute to the nightlife as it is a reflection on lost love.
—
—
In ‘Frequency’, heavily influenced by Madonna’s ‘Erotica’, Lovato confronts a space with no cover, despite the thick synths. It’s primal, unfiltered, and direct.
‘Kiss’ also stands out as an undeniably energetic track, reminiscent of Slayyyter on a creative high. While comparisons to ‘Brat’ are likely, Lovato shouldn’t concern herself with them. She has discovered a sound that feels distinctly hers.
The final tracks, ‘Before I Knew You’ and ‘Ghost’, capture the sincerity found in Lovato’s earlier work. The former, a defiant farewell to a terrible boyfriend, calls to mind 2013’s ‘Heart Attack’, while the latter explores ways to avoid saying goodbye altogether, wishing for the presence of her beloved.
Whether she’s venturing into new territory or remaining true to her roots, one thing is evident: Lovato shines brightest when it comes naturally.
7/10
Words: Kate Jeffrie
One of the most thrilling talents in modern R&B, RUBII has released her new EP, ‘FEE-LUH’, today. The album explores themes of rapid achievement,
Anglo-Greek artist D3LTA is back with a powerful new single, ‘Kids’. The track focuses on our denial of real-life crises, juxtaposing emotions of
.jpg)
The magnetic underground duo ALT BLK ERA has released their latest single, 'Okay (Cyber Racing)'. Available now through LAB Records, it showcases the Nottingham pair at a
Meekz Unveils New Single 'Bk2Reality'
Bartees Strange, an American musician originally from England, has dropped his latest EP, ‘Shy Bairns Get Nowt,’ today. This EP includes tracks that were recorded during the process of creating the
On the cover of her ninth studio album, Demi Lovato is the focal point in a world that revolves around her, regardless of whether the individuals around her are aware or not.