The world held its breath when Camila Cabello embarked on her solo career after leaving Fifth Harmony. Would she thrive as a solo artist? Could she handle the pressure? The release of her debut album, Camila, in 2018 answered those questions with a resounding yes.
It was ‘Havana’ that changed everything. This salsa-infused track skyrocketed up the charts and garnered Grammy nominations. Suddenly, Cabello was a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
Advertisement
‘Camila’ showcased Cabello’s excellence under pressure. With a collection of tight, Latin-influenced pop songs, she solidified herself as a genuine solo artist. The album’s success paved the way for her to support Taylor Swift on one of the most extensive international tours of all time and inspired her to dive back into the studio for her follow-up record.
For her new album, titled Romance, Cabello wanted to capture the intoxicating feeling of falling in love. She brought mood boards filled with images of “people kissing” into the studio, visually representing the album’s concept. Through gushy trailers, poetic musings on love, and stunning visuals, Cabello promised that ‘Romance’ would be a “museum of loves and the stories they’ve left behind.”
Before the album’s release, Cabello dropped the summer anthem ‘Señorita,’ a steamy collaboration with her real-life boyfriend, Shawn Mendes. The song dominated the charts worldwide, following in the footsteps of ‘Havana’ by becoming an instant global smash hit.
Romance is filled with infectious and fun tracks like ‘Cry For Me,’ a relatable breakup anthem, and ‘Liar,’ a catchy tune infused with ska influences. The record truly shines during these upbeat moments. In ‘My Oh My,’ a collaboration with rapper DaBaby, Cabello sheds her good girl image for a roaring cut of sexy, reggaeton-inflected pop. The sultry brass lines set the stage as she confidently declares, “He’s only here for one thing / But so am I… Tonight I don’t want to be her.”
Advertisement
However, the album falters a bit when Cabello delves into the more vulnerable aspects of romance. ‘Bad Kind Of Butterflies’ feels like a haunting fairytale, with Cabello whispering about the unsettling feeling of being infatuated with someone. On the other hand, the saccharine sweetness of tracks like ‘First Man’ feels more genuine. In this album closer, Cabello delicately sings about introducing her new partner to her family, expressing her happiness and hinting at the possibility of a lasting connection.
Cabello’s honeyed vocals soar throughout’ Romance,’ showcasing her ability to deliver earth-shatteringly big pop tunes. However, she also ventures into more textured ballads, expanding her musical palette. While she may feel more at home in the realm of upbeat pop, Cabello fearlessly explores new territories on this album.
With Romance, Camila Cabello invites listeners into her world of love and self-exploration. It’s a journey filled with catchy tunes, vulnerable moments, and a sense of artistic growth. Cabello’s evolution as a solo artist continues to captivate audiences, proving that she is a force to be reckoned with in the music industry.
