Actress and rising pop artist Hayley Kiyoko delivers an honest, well-rounded debut album with ‘Expectations.’ Sexuality serves a pivotal role on the project. 

2018 has been well represented by LGBTQ musicians.  Some of the most memorable songs of 2018 hail from the out and proud.  Hayley Kiyoko, known as “lesbian Jesus”, comes out roaring on her debut, Expectations.  Throughout the course of this well-crafted, enjoyable, 48-minute affair, Kiyoko isn’t afraid to speak from a queer perspective.

“Feelings”

Following the exordium, “Expectations (Overture),” Kiyoko exceeds the expectationson the groovy, incredibly honest “Feelings.”

“I over-communicate and feel too much

I just complicated it when I say too much

I laugh about it, dream about that casual tough

Sex is fire, sick and tired of acting all though.”

Keeping the groove going, she enlists Kehlani on highlight, “What I Need.”  The chorus is incredibly infectious, sure to get stuck in one’s head. Perhaps more important than the catchiness of the record is that it’s a perfect example of being fearless when it comes to sexuality.  “When we’re alone, girl, you wanna own it,” Kiyoko sings on her verse.

The excellence and openness continue on the sexy “Sleepover,” where Kiyoko wants to be more than friends.

“But at least I got you in my head, oh yeah

At least I got you in my head, in my head

Sleepovers in my bed, oh yeah

At least I got you in my head, in my head.”

“Under the Blue / Take Me In” 

Two two-part songs follow in “Mercy / Gatekeeper” and “Under the Blue / Take Me In.”  Of the two, “Under the Blue / Take Me In” that stands out the most, particularly the sleek synths and hyper-rhythmic drums.  Once more, the chorus is simply irresistible, particularly on “Under the Blue”:

“Waves come crashing on in

But I’m feeling the rapture cool on my skin

Take me under the blue

Take me under the blue.”

“Curious”

On “Curious,” Kiyoko showcases assertive vocals following a breathy “Yeah.”  She is exuberant as she shines in her upper register shines on the infectious pre-chorus. She follows up with incredibly rhythmic vocals on the chorus, where her attitude and feistiness are a pro. Sexuality continues to play a pivotal role, as Kiyoko is clearly curious about a previous relationship with a girl who is now with a boy.  This fun, well-produced single continues to build a strong case for Expectations as well as Kyoko artistically.

On the beautiful, smooth “Wanna Be Missed,” Kiyoko establishes her wishes and expectations for a relationship.  Regardless of sexual orientation, the theme is relatable – universal.  On follow-up “He’ll Never Love You (HNLY),” she encourages her ex-girlfriend to come back to her and ditch her boyfriend. While “He’ll Never Love You” isn’t ‘brain surgery’ in regards to complexity, it does bring up a relevant bisexual or perhaps even “hetero-curious” situation.

“Palm Dreams”

A head-nodding groove and sleek production continue to impress on “Palm Dreams.” Penultimate record “Molecules” eases upon the groove. It’s another respectable moment, but doesn’t latch as much as the crème de la crème. Kiyoko delivers relatively cool vocals on closer “Let it Be”, particularly the verses.  Even on the chorus she never gets too excited.  Ultimately, she exhibits poise and well-rounded, beautiful vocals sans frills. The vibe of “Let it Be” is quite appealing, aided by modern pop production that holds back more as opposed to throwing every instrument and synthetic instrument at the listener. With the verses and chorus sounding pretty similar, the bridge provides a bit of contrast.  “Let it Be” doesn’t quite achieve greatness of the best, but overall, it’s worthwhile.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Hayley Kiyoko brings a lot to the table on Expectations.  You could say, she meets, and at times, exceeds expectations.  While her voice is a selling point, arguably, it’s her openness about her sexuality that gives Expectations an extra bite.

Gems: “Feelings,” “What I Need,” “Sleepover,” “Curious,” “Under the Blue / Take Me In,” “Wanna Be Missed” & “He’ll Never Love You (HNLY)”

Hayley Kiyoko • Expectations • EMPIRE / Atlantic • Release: 3.30.18 

Photo Credits: EMPIRE / Atlantic