Alessia Cara – Know-It-All
This past summer we were introduced to a young Canadian singer, Alessia Cara. If you use Spotify or Apple Music, it was more than likely her single “Here” that caught your attention. A moody track with a hip-hop vibe and a modern spin on the old wallflower moniker. The song was as close to perfection as you’re going to get, equipped with on-point production, smoky vocals and spot on lyrics.
All too often, however, a smash single can lead to a disappointing full length album. High expectations tend to be the Achilles’ Heel of the music industry. When an artist can meet those expectations, everyone breathes a sigh of relief. When an artist surpasses those expectations, a star is born.
Know-It-All just happens to be one of those releases that surpasses expectations. At only 19, Alessia Cara shows both vocal and writing skills beyond her years and only occasionally letting her youthfulness show in songs like “Seventeen”. Sure, that leads to a bit of disjointedness, but I use that term very loosely. And remember, Cara isn’t even 20 yet and seeing that reflected on the album only gives it an honest feeling.
“Here” is obviously a standout song, but since the majority of us have already heard it, so other standouts include “Four Pink Walls”. It falls into the same sort of feel that “Here” provides with more hip-hop influence. “Stone”, featuring Sebastian Kole, is a beautiful stripped down ballad that shows off Cara‘s versatility and proves she can bare her soul in more ways than one.
Alessia Cara has a long career ahead of her and Know-It-All is a brilliant way to kick it off. The deluxe version features a “2:00am” version of “Here” that is worth a listen as well. Whichever edition you choose, Know-It-All is worth your time.
Get Alessia Cara‘s debut album now on iTunes or anywhere else music is sold.
