Album Review // Rebecca Black // Let Her Burn
If all you know of Rebecca Black is her 2011 cringe-anthem "Friday," then you're in for a doozy. After collaborations with avant garde electropop artists like Dorian Electra, umru, bbno$, and scores of her own singles, Black has finally emerged with her first full-length album. Honestly, this album comes as a wonderful surprise. It's been interesting to see Black's name turn up here and there, as she attempts to move beyond her viral past, essentially reinventing herself as a credible hyperpop artist in her own right. The pop sound is still present, but there's a newfound maturity in her vocals and lyrics that sets this record apart. The production on Let Her Burn is top-notch, with pulsing beats and atmospheric synths that add to the depth of the tracks. The album is delightfully reminiscent of Charli XCX, albeit more so the light introspection of How I'm Feeling Now than the party-girl glitz of Crash. Black's lyrics are sharp and relatable, and her vocals are stronger than ever before. She manages to strike a nice balance between vulnerability and strength, creating a sound that is uniquely her own. So don't listen to Pitchfork — with standout tracks like "Destroy Me," "Sick to my Stomach," and " Look At You," Let Her Burn is shockingly decent from start to finish.
