Reading Time: 2 min read

4 out of 5 stars

Demi Lovato, "Anyone" [Photo Credit: Island]Grammy-nominated pop artist Demi Lovato delivers a powerful, vulnerable ‘cry for help’ on the stripped piano ballad, “Anyone.”

“I tried to talk to my piano / I tried to talk to my guitar / Talk to my imagination / Confided into alcohol…” Sigh, vulnerability can be the perfect catalyst for a truly superb musical performance and song. With her powerful, honest, incredibly vulnerable single, “Anyone,” Demi Lovato was part of one of the most moving moments at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.  Lovato has had her fair share of issues with substances, including a near-fatal drug overdose.  This, of course, happened after she revealed on single “Sober” she had ‘fallen off.’

“Anyone” keeps things simple from a musical perspective.  This is Demi Lovato singing, accompanied by piano.  This stripped sound is perfect for such a personal song, putting more weight on the vocals and of course the lyrics.  Focusing on the vocals first, Lovato is as potent as ever.  She pulls back when she needs to, but she lets loose when it feels right.  Her range and her sheer vocal powerful are nothing short of awesome, as Lovato shows off spirit, soulfulness, and most of all, channels that cry for help musically. Are there some pitchy moments? Yes, but given the raw approach and raw subject matter, you can forgive it to some extent.

That leads to the other selling point beyond the vocals – the lyrics.  Apparently, Demi Lovato searched everywhere for help – music, alcohol, God, you name it.  “I talk to shooting stars / But they always get it wrong,” she sings on the pre-chorus, continuing, “I feel stupid when I pray / So, why am I praying anyway? / If nobody’s listening.”  Essentially, she feels all alone, something she makes crystal clear on the chorus:

“Anyone, please send anyone
Lord, is there anyone?
I need someone, oh
Anyone, please send anyone
Lord, is there anyone?
I need someone, oh.”

Final Thoughts

“Anyone” is incredibly powerful, period.  Clearly, Demi Lovato needed serious help when she recorded this record, prior to her overdose.  Sure, it’s simple musically, but Lovato packs a serious punch vocally, with some truly technical moments.  Furthermore, the complexity also comes into play transcendently – life in itself is complex, and Lovato has clearly experienced its ups and downs.

4 out of 5 stars


Demi Lovato • “Anyone” – Single • Island • Release: 1.27.20
Photo Credit: Island

 


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.