Score: 4/5
Canadian contemporary R&B singer Alessia Cara proudly calls herself an “antisocial pessimist” on “Here,” the song that has launched her career.
That rebellious outsider spirit resonates throughout her debut album “Know-It-All.”
The debut doesn’t disappoint, showing many different sides of the singer. She plays with every sound under the sun, from R&B to jazz to pop and alternative.
“Here” is the album’s lynchpin and it’s impossible to tire of it. Cara’s smooth vocals breathe life into the moody, slow jazz beat. The song is an ode to the loner, an anthem for wallflowers at parties everywhere. With “Here,” Cara has created something of a relatable modern R&B masterpiece.
Cara playfully displays her romantic side with the upbeat, poppy “I’m Yours.” On the track she croons about how angry she is with her lover for tearing down the walls she kept up. “I’m Yours” has smash hit potential, and sounds like it could have been written for Taylor Swift.
Though Cara’s voice with its soul and character could transform any dull track into something worth listening to, it’s best suited for R&B songs like “Here.” “I’m Yours” is a bit too pop for the singer, and lacks the depth of other songs on “Know-It-All.”
“Four Pink Walls” recalls some of the attitude and honesty of “Here,” showcasing Cara’s mastery of melancholy and thoughtful contemporary R&B. It’s the funkiest song on “Know-It-All” and is reminiscent of a ‘90s Mary J. Blige B-side.
“Stone” featuring Sebastian Kole is a refreshing change of pace for “Know-It-All.” Kole and Cara’s voices blend together seamlessly on the ballad. Though simple, “Stone” is powerful, arresting and a surprisingly earnest song on an album called “Know-It-All.”
“Here” is the best “Know-It-All” has to offer, but “Scars To Your Beautiful” is a close second as a visceral story about the dangers of beauty standards and the effect they have on women. “Scars To Your Beautiful” chronicles feeling worthless and not up to covergirl expectations and why it’s important to have self-confidence, all in a catchy chorus.
“Know-It-All” cements Cara’s role as a modern icon for introverts. There’s nothing glamorous or gimmicky about Cara or her debut album. She’s as real as “Here,” and there is a genuine authenticity about her that is not present in other up and coming stars.
At only 19, Cara is well on her way to becoming an R&B staple. Being cosigned by fellow Canadian Drake doesn’t hurt either.