Following a ‘slow but steady’ rise to pop success, Bebe Rexha finally releases her highly-anticipated, full-length debut album, Expectations.

For rising pop star Bebe Rexha, her career breakthrough has been a long time coming. Finally, following the massive success of single “Meant to Be”, her time has come.  Finally, her full-length debut album, Expectations, arrives following numerous EPs.  While Expectations is imperfect, there are plenty of positive moments and takeaways for Rexha.

“Ferrari”

‘Sporty’ opener “Ferrari” commences with a unique guitar riff.  Bebe Rexha shows poise on the first verse.  Even so, her distinct tone shines through.  She at her most dangerous, rising to the occasion on the chorus, with truly assertive, powerful vocals.  In addition to her commanding performance, the backdrop is dynamic on the chorus, characterized by rock influence, with guitars and hard drums. The second verse comes back down following the fever pitch but is more developed compared to the first.  Rexha lets loose a bit more, while percussively, an urban-pop beat joins the fold.  All in all, attitude, energy, and the voice go a long way for Bebe.

Expectations keeps on rolling with “I’m a Mess”, which features electric guitar-fueled accompaniment with mostly finger snaps (programming). Eventually, the subtler finger snaps are replaced with a full-fledged, urban-tinged beat.  Notably, there’s some production gimmickry on the chorus. Rexha delivers a solid vocal performance, embracing her huskier, thicker tone and texture. Her assertiveness and command are major selling points, not to mention the catchy chorus.

“I’m a mess, I’m a loser / I’m a hater, I’m a user / I’m a mess for your love, it ain’t new / I’m obsessed, I’m embarrassed / I don’t trust no one around us / I’m a mess for your love, it ain’t new.”

“2 Souls on Fire” 

On the romantic, easygoing pop duet “2 Souls on Fire”, Rexha and Quavo trade lines with one another.  Quavo embraces autotuned pitch throughout – he sings as opposed to raps.  It works, even if it’s “nothing to write home about.” As for Rexha, maintains her vocal strength, particularly in her upper register.  The production is current and fresh, blending pop and hip-hop seamlessly.  The the needle isn’t moved necessarily, but “2 Souls on Fire” packs enough of a punch.

“Shining Star” starts with a ‘guitar’ interlude, before developing into a pop record focused on non-judgmental love.  Bebe Rexha sings on the pre-chorus, “But he fell in love with her f*cked up ways /…And all in between, and he’d still sing / Baby you’re a shining star.” “Knees” follows, focusing on a relationship on the rocks.  “If I’m not all you need / Then just set me free,” Rexha sings, continuing, “I’m down on my knees / If you’re not the one for me.”  Both records are good, but not extraordinary.

“I Got You” 

On the enjoyable and spirited “I Got You” (All Your Fault: Pt 1), Rexha remains a force. The intensity of the song cranks up on the chorus. The result is an excellent build-up of intensity from the start of the verse. On the second verse, while there’s slightly more energy, Rexha brings it back down only to build it back up.  The lyrics are predictable, but infectious.  The chorus brings in nonsensical syllables (“nah”) and ample repetition. As for the bridge, it provides sound contrast.

“Self Control” incorporates some Latin pop and reggaetón cues, exhibiting Rexha’s eclecticism and stylistic restlessness.  It’s okay, but not among the best. “Sad” makes another stylistic shift, opting for sleek electro-pop with similar results. Rexha does sing it well, regardless. “Mine” enters into urban-pop territory.  While there’s plenty of swagger, it’s more forgettable than not.  The second consecutive urban cut, “Steady” featuring Tory Lanez, is more intriguing. Still, Tory Lanez doesn’t gets a pass for that “I’ma keep it 78 plus 22 with ya” line. Ouch! 

“Don’t Get Any Closer” 

“Don’t Get Any Closer” marks the beginning of a brilliant stretch on Expectations.  This record benefits from its beautiful melody, unique harmonic progression, and commanding, expressive vocals from Rexha.  Things look up even more on arguably the album’s best two songs, ballads “Grace” and “Pillow.”  The reason why these two particular songs are gems is because the songwriting is deeper, the vocals show more technical prowess, and both exhibit more authenticity.  On “Grace,” Rexha hates to, but knows she has to breakup with her boyfriend because it’s just not right.  On “Pillow,” she’s missing her long-distance lover, and ultimately asserts, “I’ll be alright, just one more night / I’ll be just fine, holdin’ my pillow pretending it’s you.”

“Meant to Be” featuring Florida Georgia Line represents the breakthrough moment for Rexha.  That can’t and shouldn’t be written off. It’s not surprising the All Your Fault: Pt. 2 record is reprised on Expectations. That said, the crowd-pleasing hit is eclipsed by the better written, more technically impressive ballads that precede it.  Nonetheless, Expectations concludes incredibly strong.

Final Thoughts

All in all, Bebe Rexha delivers a solid debut album with Expectations.  She’s at her best when she’s allowed to fully show off her vocal prowess, as well as when there’s more songwriting depth.  The biggest rub? More of Expectations should’ve followed the blueprint of ballads “Grace” and “Pillow.” There is some filler on this 43-minute effort as well, though nothing deal-breaking.  When she’s on, Bebe is unstoppable.   

Gems: “Ferrari,” “I’m a Mess,” “I Got You,” “Grace,” “Pillow” & “Meant to Be”

Bebe Rexha • Expectations • Warner Bros. • Release: 6.22.18

Photo Credits: Warner Bros.