Following a three-year hiatus, Grammy-winning Canadian pop artist Alessia Cara comes back strong on her sophomore album, ‘The Pains of Growing.’

Following an impressive debut album (Know-It-All), Grammy-winning pop artist Alessia Cara returns with her highly-anticipated sophomore album, The Pains of Growing. Cara didn’t seem to be in any rush to follow-up her debut, which arrived back in 2015. Despite the three-year hiatus, she comes back strong on The Pains of Growing, which is well worth the wait.

“Growing Pains”

The Pains of Growing commences with the honest promo single, “Growing Pains”. “Growing Pains” features great production work, comprised of a driving synth, rhythmic, urban-infused drum programing, and lovely harmonized backing vocals. Cara serves up clear, nuanced lead vocals, sounding incredibly authentic as she sings.  Furthermore, she never has to force things. Her rhythmic, melodic lines are clearly influenced by hip-hop without even approaching the pop-rap realm. The substance of this single stands out; she’s honest lyrically about her lot in life, singing about real issues.

“And I’ve always been a go-getter

There’s truth in every word I write

But still, the growing pains, growing pains

They’re keeping me up at night.”

Alessia Cara, ‘Growing Pains’ | Track Review

Alessia Cara keeps things ‘short and sweet’ on “Not Today,” Despite being brief, it’s a soulful, thrilling two-and-a-half-minutes.  The production is a blend of old (classic soul palette) and new (sleek, modern drum programming, and some synths). Vocally, Cara sounds superb, never over-singing, yet packing a punch with commanding, nuanced, and powerful vocals; her performance is captivating and mesmerizing.  Adding to the greatness of “Not Today” are the authentic, honest lyrics.  Among personal favorite lyrical moments hail from the second verse, when Cara asserts, “I’ll be the king of misery management.” Adding to that authenticity and honesty is memorability and catchiness, particularly on the chorus.

Alessia Cara, ‘Not Today’ | Track Review

“I Don’t Want To”

Growing pains and moodiness continue on “I Don’t Want To,” where heartbreak and letting go are tough for Cara to cope with.  “I don’t want to let it show, but I still love you,” she sings on the chorus, later adding, “How do I let you go if I don’t want to?”  She switches gears on the captivating “7 Days,” fusing the Biblical and religious with criticisms of the boringly famous, social media, politics, and the human race in general.  “Oh, Mr. Man upstairs / I know you’re tuning in up there, way up there,” she sings on the chorus, posing the question, “Oh, the land of poor taste / The spectacle of cut and paste that we’ve made / Would you say, please say it was worth the seven days.” This socially-conscious vibe totally plays to Cara’s strengths.

“Trust My Lonely” is a departure from previous songs from Alessia Cara, at least to a certain extent.  Lyrically, she remains open and honest – one of her best attributes:

“I’ve been your doll, that you poke for fun too long

So, you should go

Don’t look back, I won’t come back

Can’t do that no more.”

Also, there’s still ample urban flavor, though, she also dives into tropical, reggae-tinged electro pop. The message of the record is a selling point, particularly on the chorus.

“Go get your praise from someone else
You did a number on my health
My world is brighter by itself
…And I can do better, do better alone.”

Alessia Cara, ‘Trust My Lonely’ | Track Review

“Wherever I Live” 

“There’s yelling in the hallway / I found refuge on a twin bed of this three-star hotel.” “Wherever I Live” masterfully continues Cara’s pains, made all the more descriptive by the lyrics and her expressive vocal performance.  Six tracks in, she remains consistent and incredibly authentic. Some of her best vocals arrive on “All We Know,” where she accurately characterizes the world as ‘strange.’ Through all her observations and criticisms, she ultimately confirms the truth – “All we know is that we don’t.” 

Cara keeps it brief and stripped on “A Little More.” Just about two-and-half-minutes in length, she’s accompanied chiefly by electric guitar, pads and textures, and background vocals. Naturally, there’s an intimacy and simplicity about the record, which is appropriate given the theme – getting closer with her boo.  While she’s not working with an array of sounds to ornament her voice, save for the more dynamic ending, she delivers absolutely stunning vocals.  Her ability to deliver with authenticity and honesty is her biggest selling point, particularly with this uncomplicated little ditty.

“Hey you

Hey, Mister knock on my door

I’m sorry that I’ve been emotions galore

Am I crazy for wanting a little bit more?”

Alessia Cara, ‘A Little More’ | Track Review

“Comfortable”

While “A Little Bit More” was good in its own right, the throwback, soulful vibes of “Comfortable” makes it damn good – easily among the crème de la crème of The Pains of Growing.  The assertiveness of Cara’s voice gives “Comfortable” an extra edge.  Following the more relaxed pace of “Comfortable,” “Nintendo Game” maintains the soul, while picking up the pace, not to mention throwing in some modern production tricks.  The lyrics – comparing love to a Nintendo video game – are top-notch.

“Push and shove, go ‘head and take your aim

We better duck ‘cause right now nobody’s safe

And we could grow up, but it’s no fun that way

And so we treat love like it’s a Nintendo game

But nobody wins.”

Heartbroken ballad “Out of Love” has the tall task of following the one-two punch of “Comfortable” and “Nintendo Game.” Perhaps it doesn’t supplant either, but Alessia Cara continues to excel in her role as “king of misery management,” as she questions, “Oh, when did you fall out of love with me?” The vocal production is on-point, while the strings amplify the intensity of the heartbreak.

“Girl Next Door”

“Girl Next Door” shows incredible maturity, as Cara reflects on her various character traits and idiosyncrasies – she owns it.  That said, she also makes it clear that “No, you won’t forget… this girl next door.” The reminiscent, thoughtful “My Kind” is backed by a rhythmic, more modern, urban-pop groove, in all it’s gloriousness.  The effortless ad-libs by Cara are glorious in their own right. Another mature and therapeutic record, “Easier Said,” serves as the final full-length cut, finding her proclaim “Healing and patience” as “lovers.” She’s still experiencing growing pains, but, she’s working through them pretty effectively. “Growing Pains (Reprise)” concludes this personal, well-rounded sophomore LP.

Final Thoughts

As Alessia Cara initially rolled out singles for her sophomore album, I’ll admit I was a bit worried.  After hearing the entirety of The Pains of Growing, it’s clear there was NOTHING to worry about. The pop standout has delivered another strong project without questions.  There are no misses in my eyes, with every song having redeeming qualities.  Relatable, well-written, well-produced, and well-sung, Cara confirms why she’s the star that she is.

Gems: “Growing Pains,” “Not Today” “7 Days,” “Trust My Lonely,” “Comfortable” & “Nintendo Game”

Alessia Cara » The Pains of Growing » Def Jam » Release: 11.30.18

Photo Credit: Def Jam