After the so-so “Broken Glass,” Rachel Platten steps up her game on “Perfect for You,” the second single from her forthcoming album, ‘Waves.’

Rachel Platten is back.  She made a splash with her 2016 major label debut, Wildfire.  Both “Fight Song” and “Stand by You” were big hits. The problem now is, how does one follow up juggernauts? Good question.  Unfortunately, as Platten drops her new album, Waves (October 27), there’s not much momentum on her side.  First single “Broken Glass” found her sporting a more contemporary sound with mixed results.  Her second promo single, “Perfect for You,” sticks with the modern sounds, with better results.

Rachel Platten is a positive soul.  That continues to translate on her music, specifically “Perfect for You.” Vocally, she’s also got a nice set of pipes.  No shame in her game in that regard.  Also, as aforementioned, Platten opting for a more contemporary sound is smart – at times, she came off “middle of the road” on Wildfire.  The groovy nature of “Perfect for You” makes it much more enjoyable.  Also, throw in a catchy, infectious chorus.

“And it’s true / I can’t seem to shake it loose / ‘Cause all this insecurity’s hurtin’ me tired of / Tryin’ to be perfect for you / I’m done jumping through hoops / There’s too much time I’ve wasted on chasin’ it / Face it, I cannot be perfect for you / Be perfect for you / Be perfect for you / Be perfect /Yeah I cannot be perfect for you.”

To summarizes the pros: positivity, vocals, contemporary pop sound, and the chorus.

Now for the fun part – the cons.  Honestly, “Perfect for You” is much more impressive than “Broken Glass.” But, is “Perfect for You” enough to help make Waves a commercial success? Maybe, maybe not.  Personally, it’s enjoyable, but not game changing.

Final Thoughts 

All in all, Rachel Platten seems like she’s on the right track with “Perfect for You.” It’s enjoyable, even fun (shocking), but not necessarily ‘the second coming.’ Still, “Perfect for You” deserves some airplay.

Rachel Platten • Waves • Columbia • Release: 10.27.17

Photo Credit: Columbia