Demi Lovato 'Demi': Track by Track Album Review

For a long time now, I have been a fan of Miss Lovato, ever since her Camp Rock debut in 2008. I've always thought out of all the Disney Channel girls, she was the one with most natural and strongest voice. Proving me right, she is back with her fourth album. After her personal struggles and time in rehab which is documented in the MTV special, "Stay Strong", it is now apparent through her songwriting ability that she has used these experiences to help other just like her. After seeing this documentary, it really made me realise that being in the public eye can be painful and I think I felt the most for her because she is my age (she'll be 21 in August, I will be in January) and I genuinely do not know how I would cope with all that publicity, either good or bad! But more to the point, I am proud that with the right help, she has been able to come through all that adversity and look who's laughing now, haters?

The artwork for the first single 'Heart Attack'

The video for Heart Attack

1. Heart Attack

The album opens with the lead single, which has been received well by critics. The song itself has been around for a couple of months now and it still receiving strong airplay and quite frankly, I'm still loving it! I like the way the track builds from the very beginning and I can see this being an anthem for teenage girls. Despite the heavy percussion and guitars, Lovato's top-notch vocals are still able to shine here.

2. Made In The USA
Again, there is a very catchy chorus here and it has just been announced that this will be the follow-up single to Heart Attack. This will be the perfect summer song, it does have a sunshine feel to it. The only bit I don't understand about this song is the random country feel towards the end of the song; considering the song is a strong pop record, it doesn't seem to mesh well together. Maybe it's an ode to friend Taylor Swift perhaps? And the comparisons to Miley Cyrus' 'Party In The USA' are ridiculous; the only they have in common is the mention of the States!

3. Without The Love

Definitely one of my favourite songs on the album. The hook on this song is ridiculous "Why are you singing me love songs? What good is a love song? What good is a love song without the love?" Every girl (and guy) who buys this record will be able to relate to this lyric and trust me it will stick in your head all day! I think this song will work perfectly in an acoustic setting as well, where Lovato will be able to show off (once again) her impressive vocal chops.

4. Neon Lights

Now I know the critics are not a fan of this track but I find it very catchy. A potential single? I like that Demi is able to go from a heartfelt ballad to an upbeat dance track; she has great versatility  The public would complain if all her songs sounded the same! You just can't win either way. If she releases this track as a single, I can see it becoming a club smash; it has a proper dancefloor feel about it as well as a catchy chorus. I think the comparison to Rihanna's 'We Found Love' is fair, you can hear the influence in the beat.

5. Two Pieces

This is probably my favourite lyrically; however, I feel it would be better without the beats behind it. I think it could have been a stunning track if it was just piano and drums in the background instead of the guitars and rocky feel of the chorus. In fairness though, her vocals are spot-on once more so I suppose I can overlook with the heaviness of the track!

6. Nightingale

I can see why this is Lovato's favourite track as it is mine already. The lyrics, the emotion, the way it builds gradually. Watching this song performed live would be one of those special moments where you get goosebumps and those performances are few and far between. As for the gospel-choir choir at the end of the song, it really adds to the haunting of the songs as opposed to overdoing it. Definitely the best track both musically and vocally.

7. In Case

A personal highlight for me, probably because I can relate to the lyrics so well. I'm the biggest fan of Demi when she is stripped back and using her biggest weapon- her voice. She doesn't need all the beats behind her songs to be able to have singing credentials. Just don't listen to this song when you're upset like I did because I guarantee you will blub like a baby; she is exceptionally good at conveying emotion through her voice, which as a singer, is hard to come by these days.

8. Really Don't Care (feat. Cher Lloyd)

After a sequence of ballads, next is a full-on girl's break-up anthem. This track sounds like it's got its inspiration from Kelly Clarkson and Katy Perry. This could also be in contention to be a single because of it's catchy chorus and Demi's sassy side. The appearance from Cher Lloyd has a lot to be desired (I'm really not a fan of hers at all) but may please American fans despite her being British; they seem to be adopted her and I have absolutely no problem with that!

9. Fire Starter

Another single contender, I'm personally not the biggest fan of this track. It's a bit too thumpy for my liking but that would fit in perfectly with the charts at the moment. Again, I could see me in the middle of the dancefloor having a boogie to this in a club. It's not too dissimilar to Neon Lights but I prefer that to this track but it seems to have been perceived well by critics.

10. Something That We're Not

The reason I love this song is because it's the opposite to what people assume girls want. Girls are the relationship ones and boys do hook-ups so here Demi has turned that philosophy on its head. Once more, it has a super-catchy chorus and brings out her sassy side, which I must say I am quite the fan of! It is a slight bit reminiscent of Taylor Swift's 'We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together' with the brutal honesty aspect of the lyrics.

11. Never Been Hurt

The main problem here is it's not a standout track; the high notes in the chorus are a highlight but other than that, it doesn't really do anything for me. It's not that different to 'Heart Attack' because of it's electronic feel but it's not as strong-sounding. The issue here may be because it is following such an excellent track, it sort of falls through the cracks.

12. Shouldn't Come Back

After that slight blip, she hits back with a remarkable ballad. In terms of previous Demi tracks it can compared to, 'Don't Forget' and 'Catch Me' spring to mind, which also happen to be two of my favourites by her! The reason I like this track so much is the raw emotion; you can feel the pain in her voice and it is quite toned down for her which in turn, makes it a special track.

13. Warrior

Just the opening of this track "This is a story that I have never told", you know this is going to be a very personal song. Because she used her personal struggles more in the last album Unbroken to write more meaningful tracks, this is an ode to that. The personal element of this song adds to the emotional vocals delivered; I'm a big fan of hearing a voice crack due to the amount of feeling put into a song and this delivers. Very Christina Aguilera 'Beautiful'-esque.

All in all, this is a very strong record. For me personally, the ballads and slower tracks carry it because of her impressive vocal range and the emotion she delivers through her voice. But the more up-tempo tracks are fun and catchy. Job well done, Miss Lovato!