Camila Cabello, Shameless | Track Review 🎵

Grammy-nominated pop artist Camila Cabello returns with a dark, intense ‘shameless’ pop single, “Shameless,” set to appear on her sophomore LP.

Eight words: “I need you more than I want to.” Camila Cabello has spoken about her necessities on “Shameless,” the companion single to “Liar”, both of which are set to appear on her highly anticipated sophomore album.  Cabello struck gold post-Fifth Harmony releasing her Grammy-nominated debut album, Camila in January 2018.  Safe to say, she certainly raised the temperature with hits like “Never Be the Same”, “Real Friends”, and of course, “Havana.” With “Shameless,” she continues her ascent to the top of the pop empire – something like that.

Like “Liar,” “Shameless” is also produced by Andrew Watt (watt) and The Monsters & Strangerz. Contrasting “Liar” however, “Shameless” embraces a sound that’s actually quite different from some of the records she’s previously released, which is a welcome change of pace.  “Shameless” is firmly planted in pop mind you, but includes elements of electro-pop, alternative-pop, and maybe a slight dash of pop/rock given the ‘driving’ nature. Speaking of that ‘driving’ nature, there is a nice build-up of intensity on this ‘shameless,’ minor key cut. The dark sensibility is another pro.

Throughout, Camila Cabello does truly nice things vocally, including breathiness, falsetto, playful moments, and more punch with the grit that she shows on the chorus.  Additionally, on the chorus, there’s vocal layering and harmonization, adding even more excellence.

“Right now, I’m shameless
Screamin’ my lungs out for ya
Not afraid to face it
I need you more than I want to
Need you more than I want to
Show me you’re shameless
Write it on my neck, why don’t ya?
And I won’t erase it
I need you more than I want to
I need you more than I want to.”

Tagging the chorus is a post-chorus, accompanied by incredibly rhythmic drums, as well as the repeated lyrics, “No-oh, uh-uh, don’t wanna do this now…” There is contrast shown on the bridge section.  Notably, those breathy vocals are awesome.  One last note. One key lyric that stands out at the end of the second verse is “And I’m tired of loving somebody that’s not mine, no,” which references loving long distance.  Preach Camila.

Final Thoughts

If “Liar” or “Shameless” are any indication, Camila Cabello’s sophomore album should be a surefire winner.  “Shameless” benefits from great vocals, catchy, memorable songwriting, and more fine production courtesy of watt and The Monsters & Strangerz.  Game changing? Nah, but definitely worthy of multiple spins.

Camila Cabello • Shameless [Single] • Epic • Release: 9.6.19

Photo Credit: Epic