BettyWho- The Movement E.P. Review

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Album- The Movement

Artist-BettyWho

With her nice pop style and strong craftsmanship, BettyWho was definitely one of the rising stars of 2013, with the singer appearing on numerous blogs and ones to watch lists. 2014 has already seen the artist kick things off with the stellar single Heartbreak Dream, and as she prepares to release her major label debut after signing with RCA, I thought I would take a look back at the singer’s first release, The Movement E.P., to see just why this artist is seen as so special.

Track 1- Somebody Loves You

The records first single and a recent US Hot Dance/Club Songs number 1, Somebody Loves You is a simple, upbeat love song that focuses on BettyWho exclaiming of how someone is always there for you, with the singer going through a list of statements that show that somebody loves you. The song is just unabashedly straightforward in its lyrical intentions, and vocally BettyWho is really great, as she imbues the track with a fun loving personality that makes the lyrics feel more pure and honest in a still fun way. Personally the production is definitely the songs best component, evoking an 80’s pop style with stomping dance rhythms and clattering synth notes, making for an infectious, energizing sound that acts as the final cog for a really catchy song.

3.5/5

Track 2- You’re In Love

Keeping in the same vein lyrically as the previous track, You’re In Love finds BettyWho exclaiming of how this person is in love everyday as they smile at her, with the two people just having this blissful, great relationship. The intricacy of the verses is complimented by the lyrical simplicity of the chorus, whilst vocally You’re In Love works nicely in showing off different elements of BettyWho’s voice. This is because she softens things for the verses and keeps things slightly subdued, before belting out the chorus and hitting the listener with her full falsetto. It is a nice vocal dynamic made stronger by the glittery tone of the production with the bubbly synth notes and simple pop rhythm, making for a track that is euphoric and instantly catchy.

4/5

Track 3- Right Here

Right Here finds BettyWho taking things to a slightly more wistful, languid state, and finds the record at its most pure and heartfelt. The song finds the artist telling her lover to just stay right here beside her, because together life will be great. The song is lyrically sharp and smart as the singer paints this lush picture of a safe and honest relationship, whilst the soft, understated style of her vocal performance makes the song feel completely sincere and highly emotive. Keeping the production equally soft and subdued with the echoing tone and slight use of a guitar refrain makes for a further chilled element to the song, whilst the latter element of the production also works nicely in giving a touch of urgency to the track. Right Here acts as a nice moment of high energy reprieve in a way, and shows off BettyWho’s versatility as a performer very well.

3.5/5

Track 4- High Society

Final track High Society is a last glittery, upbeat pop moment from the singer that most prominently channels 80’s pop music out of all of the E.P’s tracks. The song finds BettyWho telling her love of how the two of them should be together forever, and they should just have fun and live life like they are part of high culture. The song is witty, funny and sweet, with the line ‘we’ll drink, chardonnay, in the day, cause we say so’ being one of the best lines in modern pop music for me. Vocally things are kept smooth with BettyWho being a really charming vocalist, and the shiny, frenzied synth tones immediately create this euphoric essence to the song that is powerful and instantly catchy. This is smartly crafted pop at its best.

5/5

Final Review                         

The Movement is a short but smart and sweet pop affair that shows off BettyWho as possibly the best pop act to be making music right now. Each of the tracks feature intricate but catchy lyrics, whilst vocally the singer always comes across as empowered and emotive, with each of the songs showing off different elements of her range very nicely. The synth based style of the production is precise and powerful, and nicely evokes old school, classic pop, whilst still sounding good for today’s modern market. All in all this is a fine E.P., and I just can’t wait for the singer’s debut album now.

10/10

Best Track- High Society

Worst Track- Right Here