Demi Lovato, “SKIN OF MY TEETH” | Track Review

Demi Lovato transforms into a pop-punk superstar on the brutally honest “SKIN OF MY TEETH,” the promo single from HOLY FVCK. 

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emi leaves rehab again / When is this shit gonna end?” Woo! HOLY FUCK – Demi Lovato has changed! My apologies, as I should have censored that obscene opening slang like Lovato does on their 2022 studio album, HOLY FVCK.  Lovato is one of the most honest musicians in the game – maybe, too honest at times…  That characteristic hasn’t changed as the Grammy-nominated musician unveils HOLY FVCK and its lead single, “SKIN OF MY TEETH”. What has changed, however, is the style. “SKIN OF MY TEETH” finds Lovato joining so many others on the pop-punk train.  Is it successful? You bet!

The thing is, more than some that venture into pop-punk, Lovato not only has the vocal chops, but they have the biography.  Over the years, they’ve struggled with addiction, something that has graced many of their songs including “SKIN OF MY TEETH.” Demi is brutally honest (shocker) on the gargantuan chorus:

“I’m alive by the skin of my teeth

I survived, but it got harder to breathe

Askin’ why doesn’t make it easier

Go easier on me

Goddamn it, I just wanna be free

But I can’t ‘cause it’s a fuckin’ disease

I’m alive by the skin of my—.”

Ah, we love potty-mouthed Demi! Of course, it fits the sentiment of the album – again, HOLY FVCK – and their personal experience.  Lovato penned “SKIN OF MY TEETH” with OAK (also produces), Keith Sorrells, Laura Veltz, lil aaron, and Alex Niceforo.  Well, six writers is par for the course when it comes to songwriting these days, especially in pop.  OAK does a fantastic job, as always, assembling an awesome backdrop for the incredibly talented singer. Even with the stylistic shift, Demi can still B-L-O-W!

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Final Thoughts

Admittedly, I heart the pop/R&B version of Demi Lovato.  That said, this pop-punk reset, as exhibited by “SKIN OF MY TEETH” seems like it can be highly successful.  The reasons why “SKIN OF MY TEETH” works is the theme and lyrics (addiction), high-flying vocals, electrifying production, and the artistry and personality of Demi. HOLY FVCK, count me in!

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Demi Lovato • HOLY FVCK • Island • 8.19.22

[: Brent Faulkner, Island, The Musical Hype, OpenClipart-Vectors from Pixabay]

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