Demi Lovato
'Confident' 2015
Album Review

By Luke and Jordan

Full Review:
https://talkabouttunes.wordpress.com/2016/06/10/demi-lovato-confident-2015/

1) Confident

(M.Martin, S.Kotecha, D.Lovato, Ilya)

Right away we are set up for what is sure to be a great journey if the opening track ‘Confident’ is anything to go by. It’s clear to see that this is single material, it’s an anthem and an empowerment track without being too egotistical. The backing music is reminiscent of a modern day ‘Eye of the tiger’ and deserves the same success. I could see this featuring in a movie on top of a montage of boxers or people training. Overall, a slick tune which appeals to the masses with powerhouse vocals and strong lyrics and resembles her state of mind perfectly after her troubles. 9/10
She is back, stronger than ever and ready to take on the world! The song is constantly keeping you energized with the use of instruments, towards the end she kicks off with her powerhouse vocals and high belting – it’s electric and a great track to introduce the confident album; I can’t wait to see what’s coming up next! 9/10

2) Cool For The Summer 

(S.Kotecha, M.Martin, A.Kronlund, A.Payami, D.Lovato)
‘Cool for the Summer’ slides in subtly from the opening track and it works very well, as the listener is presented with an almost grungy pop sound which works well with Demi’s strong and sultry vocals – it suits her perfectly in this track and really presents a different side of her. The different vocal arrangements in the song really help to keep it alive, from the whispers in the middle 8 to the yo yo effects in “Don’t be scared ‘cuz I’m your body type” and the huge adlibs towards the end of the track. The song proves to be a great reinvention for this new era as the lead single. 8/10
Demi sound sweet and innocent during the first verse, but what she actually is saying is, something quite naughty. The chorus reveals her true intentions and she is suddenly confident enough to come out with it all. I hope she enjoys her summer with her friend. Hot pop summer track which will get you singing along. 9/10

3) Old Ways

(O.Waithe, J.Evigan, S.Hoffman)

Wow, as we progress further into the album, the themes are getting darker. The opening lyrics about a knife sticking in “The left side of my chest” is a bit vivid (Obviously getting at heart ache). I love the different sounds this song supplies, every different stage is a different sound, there’s almost an urban feel in the instrumental on the bridge and the drop in the music is kind of dubstep and I expect Nicki Minaj to jump in any moment. I love the hook in this song “Colours colours colours colours” and the riffs she adds to the lyrics, you can tell she is putting a lot of emotion into the vocals. When you read betweeen the lines, you can interpret the song as describing her struggles before rehab, referring to “not going back to my old ways”. It’s a strong track from Demi. 7.5/10
We’re still in party mode with builds galore, followed by that drop which is very hot and current. Her vocals arrangement is good with her use of changes in styles of singing. The song almost goes into another direction and then at the end it’s adlibs central – very strong but I felt slightly disconnected during the auto tuned male vocal. 7/10

4) For You 

(J.Carlsson, D.Grant, S.H.Catanzaro)

As soon as the song starts you can hear a gradual build right up until the chorus which is nice to hear as it keeps you enticed; then when the build comes in – it hits the spot. This is the first ballad-esque song from Demi thus far and it displays her vocals perfectly! The hook in the middle 8 which sounds like a robotic voice “I would do anything for you” is infectious but is it saying that when it comes to this relationship, Demi is almost an automated robot being controlled? It’s very heartfelt and I love the theme and power ballad style. 7/10
We’re turning the page a little bit now, was my initial thought on the song’s opening; but Demi kicks back in again with that empowering vibe that we are presented with int he chorus. The vocals are extremely strong here and I am in love with this new album thus far! 8/10

5) Stone Cold 

(D.Lovato, L.Pourkarim, G.Thorn)

So far, the track listing on this album has been perfect, the songs have been slowly progressing (Theme wise) and are changing your mood constantly. With ‘Stone Cold’ you really find yourself empathizing with Demi and this comes from the picture she paints with the lyrics “I’ll take the pain, give me the truth, me and my heart will make it through” You can tell this comes from personal experience and she truly connects with the song. The astounding vocals behind the track really enhances the sound and makes it more memorable, I imagine this power ballad would be one to sing in the car whilst it’s raining, looking out of the window. #TotesEmotes
My only gripe with the track is the way she sings “Know that I am” she sounds as though she is auditioning for the role of the witch in Wicked. 8/10
The basic piano and vocal is a nice change, Lana Del Ray esque in the first verse. Demi then sings her heart out with her strong yet vulnerable vocals. The lyrical content of the song is something reminiscent of an Adele track, “If happy is her, I’m happy for you” – In one way she is saying that she accepts her lover has moved on with someone else, but it’s also saying she will be anyone he wants her to be, simply because she loves him so much (depending on your perception of the song). Strong an more exposed vocals, a great moment in Demi’s career – this song is extremely good. 9/10

6) Kingdom Come (Feat. Iggy Azalea) 

(J.Michaels, S.Mac, D.Lovato, A.A.Kelly)

On first impression, this sounds like an interlude on the album, almost as though we will be venturing into a different part of Demi… Or this was thrown in to raise the mood from the previous couple of tracks, either way – this sound was needed thus far to perk up the listener. The sounds provided are really fun but I’m not sure what genre they fit into. The song is very similar to ‘Black Widow’ with the tones in the background, and seeing that Iggy is featured, maybe this is the sound she brought to the table?
Once again, Demi’s strong vocals are displayed in a great way in the chorus, showing her elongated notes and dominant presence. It’s a bit of fun really, with dark undertones and this is evident with the lyric “So set me on your phone” Not sure what she is getting at, but it’s full of ambiguous lyrics. 6.5/10
A Euro-pop vibe in the chorus, then we drop to the new rap inspired beat. The builds are still prominent in this track which gives it it’s fresh sound. Iggy adds a different spin on the tack – you can tell Iggy had a say in the instrumental as it has that ‘Black Widow’ hook. 7/10

Full Review:
https://talkabouttunes.wordpress.com/2016/06/10/demi-lovato-confident-2015/