Lea Michele's Louder — A Review
By Molly Faris
Lea Michele, better known as Rachel Berry from TV's "Glee", released her first solo album "Louder" on March 4.
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| "Louder" is Lea Michele's debut solo album. |
"It's more than just an album to me," Michele recently told Billboard about her album "Louder." "It's a piece of my life that I'm so glad is here for me to have for the rest of my life. Now that it's coming out, it's unbelievable."
The first track, and first single, off the album is "Cannonball". The song is an empowering anthem about new beginnings after surviving a traumatic experience, likely referring to the death of her fiancé, Cory Monteith, last July. This is the perfect message to kick off her album, letting the world know that the tragedy isn't going to hold her back. Michele is ready to "fly like a cannonball," as the song suggests.
As the album continues, the songs only improve. There is a perfect balance between potential pop hits and heart-breaking ballads. “Louder” is the title track and another song about overcoming adversity, but manages to show off Michele’s fun side. It is upbeat, enjoyable and shows off her voice well.
But if you’re going to give only one song a listen, make it the last track of the album. “If You Say So” is a chilling ballad co-written by Michele herself. The track is a personal account of the days following Cory Monteith’s tragic passing. The song includes devastatingly beautiful lyrics such as “And I can’t get away from the burning pain, I lie awake / And the fallen hero haunts my thoughts / How could you leave me this way?” With this we get a deep look into the awful suffering that Michele was and still is so clearly dealing with after Monteith’s untimely death.
While there isn’t a bad song on the album, Michele’s attempt at a pop album won’t be breaking her in to pop music stardom. Her big voice is best suited for show tunes, which is why she works so well on “Glee” and on the Broadway stage. Some songs seem, unfortunately, forced. These aren’t the songs Michele is used to singing and that is clear as she lacks emotions in most of the album, excluding, of course, “If You Say So” which even has audible heavy sighs that prove just how difficult it was for her to sing.
Dance-pop is not what this singer was born to sing, she belongs on a Broadway stage, where her voice can be properly showcased. She did not choose songs that could take advantage of the insane vocals that we all know she has from years of watching her on TV and on stage.
The first track, and first single, off the album is "Cannonball". The song is an empowering anthem about new beginnings after surviving a traumatic experience, likely referring to the death of her fiancé, Cory Monteith, last July. This is the perfect message to kick off her album, letting the world know that the tragedy isn't going to hold her back. Michele is ready to "fly like a cannonball," as the song suggests.
As the album continues, the songs only improve. There is a perfect balance between potential pop hits and heart-breaking ballads. “Louder” is the title track and another song about overcoming adversity, but manages to show off Michele’s fun side. It is upbeat, enjoyable and shows off her voice well.
But if you’re going to give only one song a listen, make it the last track of the album. “If You Say So” is a chilling ballad co-written by Michele herself. The track is a personal account of the days following Cory Monteith’s tragic passing. The song includes devastatingly beautiful lyrics such as “And I can’t get away from the burning pain, I lie awake / And the fallen hero haunts my thoughts / How could you leave me this way?” With this we get a deep look into the awful suffering that Michele was and still is so clearly dealing with after Monteith’s untimely death.
While there isn’t a bad song on the album, Michele’s attempt at a pop album won’t be breaking her in to pop music stardom. Her big voice is best suited for show tunes, which is why she works so well on “Glee” and on the Broadway stage. Some songs seem, unfortunately, forced. These aren’t the songs Michele is used to singing and that is clear as she lacks emotions in most of the album, excluding, of course, “If You Say So” which even has audible heavy sighs that prove just how difficult it was for her to sing.
Dance-pop is not what this singer was born to sing, she belongs on a Broadway stage, where her voice can be properly showcased. She did not choose songs that could take advantage of the insane vocals that we all know she has from years of watching her on TV and on stage.
Despite all of this, it is hard not to love Michele’s solo debut. Each song was expertly executed, as we should expect no less from the incredible talent that she be. Overall, there is plenty of fun, and also sadness, to be had while listening to “Louder” and it is a solid debut for Michele.
Details
Lea Michele's "Louder" can be purchased online from the iTunes Store or Amazon.com.
Check out Michele's website here.
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