The truth is, I saw her potential the second I heard “Here”. I watched her homemade YouTube videos showing off her high school bedroom, her little brother jokingly chasing her through the streets, and a heavy amount of silly lip-syncing. Alessia Cara is here and she’s as real as it gets. Her music is a classy mix of Meghan Trainor and Lorde; destined for success. Her debut album Know-It-All is a grand entrance into the intricate mind of Ms. Cara.
Cara started Know-It-All when she was 17. “I think it’s just the story of what a teenager’s life is like, and with that comes themes of rebellions, confusion, and vulnerability, and I think that that comes through in in all of the songs,” Cara told 103.7 The Q.
A stripped down version of “Here” is featured on the deluxe version of this album. It’s much darker, guided only by a piano as Cara’s vocals perform impeccable runs to the lyrics about a sh***y night out with “friends”. After hearing this, I will never listen to the original again.
Her wavering alto-toned voice graces every track in the spunkiest ways. Upbeat bouncy tracks like, “Seventeen”, “Outlaws”, and “Four Pink Walls” make you feel nostalgic for your high school days trapped in your bedroom finishing your math homework and wondering what you’ll do with the rest of your life.
“Stone”, an acoustic ballad, provides lyrics that sound straight out of a scribbled in, slightly worn diary. Cara’s voice sweetly sings, “And I will follow where this takes me, and my tomorrows long to be unknown, when all is shaken, be my safety.” “Stars” is another beautiful ballad expressing young love in the purest form.
Know-It-All is the young adult CD every 16-22 year old needs. It has everything you want and more. A solid debut start to finish from someone who was meant to be in this business.
Abbey
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