Underappreciated pop artist Demi Lovato showcases powerhouse vocals and mad attitude on single, “Sorry Not Sorry.” Can you say slay?

“Baby, fineness is the way to kill.” Sigh, Demi Lovato is a beast – in the most positive way possible.  Vocally, she has one of the better singing voices in the industry.  Artistically, she’s moved past her squeaky-clean Disney persona, unafraid to ‘live on the edge.’  All those things considered, she infuses them into her latest single, “Sorry Not Sorry.” Feisty and unapologetic, Lovato is on autopilot from the jump.

Starting with the sound, “Sorry Not Sorry” reaps the benefits of the influence of hip-hop.  In other words, this is a slick, urban-pop joint with crossover written all over it.  There are pitch-shifted vocals, hard anchoring drums, soulful, gospel-tinged piano, and of course synths.  Is the palette predictable given the trends of the 10s? Yes, but, in this case, predictable suits Demi Lovato well.

As aforementioned, Lovato is an amazing singer.  She shows off her chops throughout “Sorry Not Sorry,” soaring to the highest of heights.  While this is a record that is heavily produced, nothing inhibits Demi from ‘getting hers.’ Her best moments come on the chorus, where she’s supported by backing vocals. Let the church say yes!

“Baby, I’m sorry (I’m not sorry) … / Being so bad got me feelin’ so good / Showing you up like I knew that I would…”

Backing up just a little bit, what exactly is Lovato “not sorry” about? Being “the baddest.” Anyone who doubted her should feel ashamed.  Why? “‘Cause the grass is greener under me.” Whoomp! There It Is! Flex on sista, flex on!

Final Thoughts 

Demi Lovato kills it.  Period.  Listening to “Sorry Not Sorry,” the question that comes to mind is, why doesn’t she get more credit?  The vocals are amazing, and the attitude and feistiness she showcases only amplifies the greatness of the listening experience.  Nothing to be sorry about in the least here – “Sorry Not Sorry” is superb.

Demi Lovato • Tell Me You Love Me • Island / Hollywood • Release: 9.29.17

Photo Credit: Island / Hollywood