Ever since she took over with her huge hit Hideaway, fans have been desperate for Canadian singer/ songwriter Kiesza’s debut album. Now, Sound of a Woman is finally here and it does not disappoint.
The album kicks off with Hideaway, a smart choice as it no doubt her most famous track to date and the one which really hooked listeners when it was released earlier this year (not to mention it also went to number one in four different European countries). Following that is the underground, beat-heavy No Enemiez and the 80s-tinged Losing My Mind, which boasts a feature from hip-hop artist Mick Jenkins. The two contradict and blend perfectly with their opposing sounds.
Deep house beats and dance vibes carry through into tracks Vietnam and Over Myself but through it all Kiesza’s voice is the main attraction. This is also the case in Bad Thing, featuring Joey Bada$$ which appears midway through the record. Already released as a buzz track the album, the song shows off a more mellow tone to Kiesza’s voice, proving the singer/ songwriter can do more than sing over heavy beats.
It’s clear that producer and frequent Kiesza collaborator Rami Samir Afuni’s stamp is all over Sound of a Woman. Having previously written and arranged for the likes of LMFAO and Miley Cyrus, Afuni knows how to make great pop songs and Kiesza’s voice goes perfectly with them.
One highlight of the album is a cover of Haddaway’s What Is Love? Kiesza slows down the tempo, turning the dance smash into a moving ballad, giving the lyrics a whole new meaning. Another is the album’s title track: a defiant, strong and vengeful song.
Overall Sound of a Woman is an impressive debut album, filled to the brim with potential singles. Kiesza has given the 90s house trend a fresh take, giving hope that the nostalgia might stick around for a little longer.
