Pop star and digital photographer Hannah Diamond emerged in 2013 under the London label PC Music. Alongside producer A. G. Cook, Diamond created conceptual electronic pop, showcasing her own highly stylized photographs edited to perfection. However, a single photo can only offer a glimpse into someone’s identity. Diamond’s second and final album for PC Music, titled “Perfect Picture,” goes beyond the surface to capture her essence as both a person and an artist. It also serves as a playful commentary on the construction of reality and the journey to self-acceptance.
At the start of Diamond’s career, her auto-tuned vocals and hyper-feminine persona raised skepticism about her authenticity among the snobbier music fans and critics. Her 2019 debut album, “Reflections,” did little to dispel these doubts and the fact that most of its songs had already been released overshadowed its arrival. In contrast, “Perfect Picture,” produced by David Gamson (known for his work with Kesha and Charli XCX), presents a warmer, more mature sound. The album moves away from the crystalline shell of insecurities and broken online relationships, embracing a dreamlike ambiance reminiscent of early-2000s stardom in the digital age. The high-definition sound of yesteryear is replaced by a more blurry resolution, where pitch-shifted vocals glitch alongside static and arpeggiated synths burst into catchy choruses. Even the slower-paced tracks, such as “Flashback” and “Unbreakable,” exude a fresh buoyancy.
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Diamond’s evolution from her earlier work leads her to embody a more uplifting and motivational pop star. Picture a blend of Hilary Duff’s iconic ’00s pop anthem “What Dreams Are Made Of,” intertwined with the stylings of Eurodance artist DJ Sammy. While the connection between these pop gems might not be readily apparent, their influence is palpable within “Perfect Picture’s” digitally mediated yet emotionally charged landscape. Eurodance flavors can be found in tracks like “Want You to Know,” while the modulated backing vocals reminiscent of Spears’ 2008 song “Unusual You” are scattered throughout the album.
Regarding lyrics, “Perfect Picture” treads familiar ground, yet with renewed optimism. Many songs draw inspiration from Diamond’s personal experiences, featuring references to pixels, touchscreens, and photo-editing tools. Nearly all tracks carry a self-awareness ubderlining the genuine emotions they convey. Diamond continues to explore her flaws, confronting imposter syndrome in “Poster Girl” and “Lip Sync,” as well as navigating uncertain relationships in cuts like “Impossible” and “Divisible by Two.” Rather than wallowing in these challenges, she draws strength from the cracks in her self-image. On “Poster Girl,” she admits, “When I focus on what’s perfect, I never notice the imperfections in moments that make life so worth it.” Throughout the album, Diamond emphasizes that artifice and sincerity can coexist, affirming her agency in constructing and dismantling her public image.
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With Gamson and a team of talented co-writers, including A. G. Cook (who plays a slightly less prominent role this time), Diamond infuses gentle self-empowerment anthems with ethereal synthesizers and adorns them with pink ribbons and bows. Notably, the album features several songs co-written with Cecile Believe, known for her collaborations with SOPHIE. Among these standouts is “Want You to Know,” initially a Kesha demo that Diamond has reimagined in her own unique style. At first glance, the song expresses a desire for a partner to see her true self, but it also carries an inward message, echoing the album’s recurring theme of self-worth.
“Perfect Picture” reaches its peak with the mid-album trio of “Flashback,” “No FX,” and “Lip Sync.” “Flashback” tenderly reflects on a past relationship, slightly cooling the emotional temperature. It then seamlessly transitions into the sugary love song, “No FX,” which takes its place as the album’s dazzling centerpiece. Vocoders punctuate Diamond’s vocals, yet her declaration of feeling completely at ease with a special someone remains crystal clear, dispelling any traces of self-doubt. “Lip Sync,” on the other hand, playfully wonders if she will one day “be the real thing,” echoing the sentiment of her earliest critics.
Hannah Diamond’s “Perfect Picture” delves into her identity as an artist, capturing her essence beyond the limitations of a single photo. The album exemplifies her growth and transformation, embracing an uplifting and motivational pop sound while remaining true to her unique style. Through self-aware lyrics and playful production choices, Diamond explores themes of self-acceptance, sincerity, and the construction of reality in the digital age. “Perfect Picture” marks the culmination of her journey with PC Music, leaving a lasting impression and showcasing her potential for continued artistic evolution.
