Artist promotes restorative message through Latin, R&B influenced album

Splitting from her former group, Fifth Harmony, Camila Cabello emerges with her first solo album, titled Camila. While this album falls under the same pop genre as Fifth Harmony, there is something refreshing about what Cabello has to say. Cabello combines emotions of feeling lost and healing from the past as she unravels her own experiences for the world to hear.

Initially, the album was titled The Hurting. The Healing. The Loving., which would have made the album feel sadder than it really is; this is a fun album that deserves a more confident name. Cabello felt that the title, Camila better reflects her current positive outlook as she rediscovers herself.

Although Cabello is better known for her past with Fifth Harmony, she is proving to be a strong solo artist. Cabello has been featured in various singers’ songs. “Know No Better,” a popular song by Major Lazer, features Cabello, Travis Scott, and Quavo. Additionally, her first solo single, “Crying in the Club,” gained much recognition since many were waiting to catch a glimpse of Cabello’s solo career. This song flows well into her most recent work, Camila, which carries on the strength of girl power as well as of moving on.

“Havana,” initially released as a single, received much praise and charted highly. This song provided much anticipation for the album that was yet to come. Throughout the song, Cabello plays out a scenario where she has fallen in love, but knows that it is temporary. With Young Thug as a featured artist and a bouncy backdrop, there is a combination of youthfulness and carefreeness within the song.

Differing from the energetic feel of much of the album, the song “Consequences” shows a more somber side of Cabello. She talks of heartbreak, a recurring theme throughout the album, but does so with only soft piano accompanying her. A song like this highlights Cabello’s melodic voice and emphasizes the meaningful lyrics. It also shows that Cabello is versatile with her range of music.

One song that didn’t quite leave a strong impression is “Into It.” This song describes the typical “girl obsessed with pretty boy” scenario, which diverts from the message of healing Cabello is trying to send through this album. A song like this makes Cabello seem like just another young, careless singer trying to sell her music. Thankfully, the rest of the songs portray her story well.

Altogether, Cabello’s debut album is fun and refreshing to listen to. The songs vary from light and flirty to dark and sobering. As an outsider to Cabello’s music, I was impressed by her work, and was not expecting to enjoy the songs as much as I did. Camila is definitely worth a listen, showcasing Cabello’s journey thus far as a singer and foreshadowing what she has to offer.