The days of Ella Mai being known just for #1 hit “Boo’d Up” and “Trip” are over. Her self-titled debut album is here and with this, there should be no question of her ability to produce a solid full project. She soared into the sky with those two big singles and co-signs by artists all over, but with Ella Mai the landing was stuck. This is admittedly written after one listening, so no 10/10’s will be given out prematurely.
What can be said is that despite coming out in the 4th quarter of this calendar year, there is no doubt that this album will be talked about up through the New Year. It should be in contention for a top R&B or Soul release for 2018. And it certainly wouldn’t come as a shock if this moment is remembered as her forcefully laying down the final plank of her foundation for a strong career.
Of course, DJ Mustard is all over the production of his signee’s album, but the talented Bryan-Michael Cox and other reputable names also make appearances. Chris Brown, John Legend, and H.E.R. join in on the fun as the 23-year old from London takes us on a journey through love, the good and the bad.
She justifies infidelity alongside C Breezy on her third single, “Whatchamacallit.” She beautifully puts pressure on a man to act right on “Shot Clock.” She trades vocal gold with H.E.R on “Gut Feeling” and has a chemistry with John Legend on “Everything” that feels like the two have been singing together since the sandbox. Her perspective of how it is easy to love is painted vividly on a canvas with piano keys and harmonies on “Easy.”
This girl can sure sing a hook and even the non-stereotypical catchy material quickly finds its way into your memory. The soothing melodies and runs she work seamlessly with each beat. The things she can do with her voice aren’t some foreign ability we have yet to see, but that doesn’t take anything away from how solid it is. Though there is no possible way we can consider her among the elite vocalists of today and the past, she does just enough to complement how each song is constructed. Album closer “Naked” couldn’t be any better in putting a stamp on the overwhelming feeling that not only was Ella composed in making this project, but she enjoyed it.
Whether she drew from her own personal experiences or completely made up the concepts for the songs in her head, there is something that everyone can connect to. That’s the beauty of good music, the feelings that can be evoked from within us that we may not even be familiar with. The 10 Summers Records songstress gets three hand clap emojis from this side. Check the album out below to listen for yourself and enjoy this gem of an artist that the world has been blessed with. She even posted a fun video celebrating her release.
