Reading Time: 2 min read

3.5 out of 5 stars

Camila Cabello, Camila © EpicWith a release date set for her highly-anticipated debut album, ‘Camila,’ Camila Cabello returns with a new single, “Never Be the Same.”

In 2017, Camila Cabello focused on building her solo career, distancing herself from her former group, Fifth Harmony.  By the end of the year, the pop singer finally found her surefire hit with “Havana,” which appears on her debut album, Camila. Camila is set to be released during the cold winter, January 12, 2018.  Interestingly, only “Havana” makes the cut on her debut album, following a number of singles.  But, in addition to the delightful Cuban single, Cabello adds singles “Never Be the Same” and “Real Friends” to her collection.

“Never Be the Same” packs more of a punch than “Real Friends,” a cooler, more poised single.  The production is more pronounced here, but nowhere near being overdone.  The hard drums definitely standout, anchoring the electronic-tinged sound down. Camila Cabello doesn’t ‘push’ her voice much, but she shows more oomph and more assertion during chorus section, particularly compared to “Real Friends.”  She doesn’t need to be extremely flashy, particularly considering her stunning falsetto that shows up on the pre-chorus section. The falsetto continues to impress on at times on the chorus, when Cabello isn’t embracing her full-fledged, more powerful pipes.

Final Thoughts 

So, how does “Never Be the Same” stack up? All in all, it’s another enjoyable, worthwhile offering from Cabello.  There is more of a ‘killer instinct’ here compared to “Real Friends,” which felt too casual and tame.  This doesn’t supplant “Havana,” but showcases her potential and ability to sound incredibly sexy.

Camila Cabello • Camila • Epic • Release: 1.12.18
Photo Credit: Epic

the musical hype

the musical hype (Brent Faulkner) has earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in music (music education, music theory/composition respectively). A multi-instrumentalist, he plays piano, trombone, and organ among numerous other instruments. He's a certified music educator, composer, and freelance music blogger. Faulkner cites music and writing as two of the most important parts of his life. Notably, he's blessed with a great ear, possessing perfect pitch.