After releasing ‘LøVë’ as a five-song EP in February 2017, former teen heartthrob Aaron Carter returns with the full-length, 14-track album.

Prior to the February 2017 release of LøVë (EP), the last time we’d heard from Aaron Carter musically was in 2002.  That’s when he dropped his fourth studio album, Another Earthquake.  Between 2002 and 2017, music wasn’t associated with the former teen-pop heartthrob. Obviously, LøVë (EP) marked a comeback for Carter.  He expands the five-song effort into a full-length, 14-track album. For the most part, the results are successful. 

“Sooner or Later”

“Hard to LøVë” kicks LøVë off successfully with sleek, modern production, and buttery-smooth vocals.  The script is electro-pop to the core, with a dash of tropical-influence. “Sooner or Later”, reprised from LøVë, is solid, if cliché. Perhaps it fails to distinguish itself in the grand scheme of things, but ultimately, its ‘conformist pop sound’ is a selling point. The modern bag of tricks dominates, with sound supplanting meaningful songwriting. Carter delivers with his quick, rhythmic, swagger-laden vocals.

Electronic cues remain full force on “Bad 2 Good,” another satisfying urban-pop performance. Like much of LøVë, the intent is creating a fresh, youthful sound for Carter.  Producers and the singer himself succeed. The gaudy production work that dominates LøVë continues on “Same Way.” Notably, the listener is treated to a stronger vocal performance.  The ear candy is abundant. “What Did You Want to Say” is further evidence, driven by its exuberant major key and slick, driving synths.   

“Fool’s Gold”

“Look at you falling / Do you even know what you’re falling for? / ‘Cause I see you falling / You traded my heart for some fool’s gold.” On “Fool’s Gold,” Aaron Carter doesn’t sound like he’s missed a beat. He delivers sensational breathy, rhythmic, and sensual vocals. For good measure, he drops another f-bomb, common in pop as of late (“Showed up uninvited, fucking up my vibes with”).  The best moment is the aforementioned, infectious chorus.

On “Seattle TideZ,” Carter relates the weather of Seattle, Washington to a relationship. “Seattle tides / Seattle tides / This storm isn’t letting up / The currents too strong for us.” “Let Me Let You” features a familiar script – key word: production. Fittingly, romance with an inescapable sensual vibe rounds out that script. This is another record where vibe supersedes everything else.

“Don’t Say Goodbye”

At this point, describing LøVë sounds like a broken record – it’s formulaic. “Don’t Say Goodbye”, a single released post-LøVë (EP), remains sleek, slick, and smooth.  Again, vibe is key, particularly moodiness during the verses and the exuberance during the chorus and post-chorus sections.  That ‘post-chorus’ is essentially the dynamic build-up common in EDM and electro-pop. Wouldn’t be the first time it happens on LøVë.  It’s predictable, but respectable.

After a while, LøVë starts to sound ‘the same.’ “Almost There” sacrifices none of its production values, but suffers from being a product of a ‘well-oiled…’ – if rarely varied – ‘…machine.’ “Champion” essentially falls in a similar vein. “Dearly Departed” is the final ‘standard’ joint from LøVë.  On the EP, the rub regarding “Dearly Departed” was a lack of oomph as the most elite cuts – “Fool’s Gold” or “Same Way.” The perception isn’t different in the context of the full-length album. It’s more album track than ear-catching single. LøVë concludes with two remixes: “I Want Candy – Remix” and “Fool’s Gold – Lindgren Remix.”

Final Thoughts

All in all, in regards to his musical niche, Aaron Carter is definitely aiming in the right direction. LøVë thrives off its production and swagger. Electro-, urban-pop is ‘all the rage,’ and that styles seems to fit his voice and sensibilities.  The main issue – as asserted earlier upon the release of LøVé (EP) – is carving space in the modern music industry. Carter sounds like many of his contemporaries, BUT is it enough to make him relevant in a crowded industry in 2018? Probably not, fair or not.  Also, LøVë feels overdone regarding its production – actually too slick. Still, Mr. Carter has some terrific moments throughout the course of LøVé.

Gems: “Sooner or Later,” “Same Way,” “Fool’s Gold” & “Don’t Say Goodbye” 

Aaron Carter • LøVë • Sony • Release: 2.16.18 

Photo Credit: Sony