By Elizabeth Valentin
Arts Editor
Camila Cabello became a sensation when her girl group, Fifth Harmony, came in third place in The X Factor. Cabello split from the group in 2016 and has released her first solo album, “Camila.”
Fifth Harmony is known for their playful, easy to dance to songs. Cabello’s first single, “Havana” seemed to follow suit, as it remained somewhat danceable. When the full album was released, the contrast between Cabello as a solo artist and her work with her former girl group became clear.
“Camila” is a beautiful blend of English and Spanish that showcases her talent as a singer and a songwriter. Throughout her album, Cabello opens up in ways we haven’t seen from her yet. She no longer has the restraints of group work holding her back.
Cabello opens up about the dangers of falling in love with tracks like “Consequences,” in which she sings “Loving you was young, and wild, and free. Loving you was cool, and high and sweet. Loving you was sunshine, safe and sound, a steady place to let down my defences. But loving you had consequences.”
The album also talks about the difficulties that friendships may hold with the track, “Real Friends,” which made fans wonder if a connection could be made back to Fifth Harmony. This track has lyrics like “I’m just looking for some real friends. All they do is let me down, every time I let somebody in, then I find out what they’re all about.” This song is highly relatable and genuine as it showcases an experience that so many fans have also gone through.
The 20-year-old Cuban American singer has exposed herself to us through this album, which appears to be her way of giving us a glimpse at her truest self. This brave move pays off as this anguish-filled album proves the beautiful Cabello’s voice and songwriting skills truly are. She has become a standout artist because of this.
Since the album’s release, it has broken iTunes and Spotify records. Cabello became the first solo artist to have a number one album in 99 countries on iTunes. She also broke Selena Gomez’s spotify record when her album reached over 40 million listeners in less than a month. These broken records are rightfully deserved. It’s time to wait for what else Cabello has in store for her career’s future.
