Multi-talented singer-songwriter Bebe Rexha has finally released her highly anticipated debut album Expectations and it’s safe to say that she has struck gold in more ways than one.
After releasing two EPs last year, fans have been patiently waiting for a full length release, and Expectations does not disappoint. With Bebe co-writing and co-producing each song on the album, it’s clear that she has bared her soul on this record, delivering a cohesive offering which is already proving to be a big hit. The album was awarded gold status on its first day alone, after amassing 500,000 US sales.
What stands out the most about Expectations is Bebe’s pure emotion. Whether it’s the anthemic ‘Ferrari’ where she admits that “living in the fast lane is getting kind of lonely”, or the stunning out-of-love ballad ‘Grace’, Bebe delivers each track with such powerful feeling that it’s hard not to be captivated by the songstress.
It’s clear that Bebe has let her guard down during this album. From taking a chance on love (‘I Got You’), to begging to be set free from a loveless relationship (‘Knees’), the songstress has put her heart on the line and exudes raw honesty. Bebe also delves into the darker side of love, with ‘Self Control’ and ‘Mine’ highlighting how addictive it can be, whilst ‘Pillow’ emphasises how difficult a long distance relationship often is.
Bebe also reflects on her own character through some of the songs. The melancholic ‘Sad’ discusses loneliness although the songstress acknowledges that “maybe I’m just comfortable being sad”. ‘Don’t Get Any Closer’ sees Bebe warn a lover that the person she is underneath might be very different to what they see on the surface. ‘I’m A Mess’, which interpolates Meredith Brooks’ ‘Bitch’, sees Bebe showcase her vulnerable side as she self reflects and criticises herself throughout. However, the track does have an optimistic element to it as she sees the light at the end of the tunnel.
Expectations also proves that Bebe isn’t afraid of experimenting with different genres and sounds. ‘Shining Star’ embraces a Latin tone, ‘Knees’ is an acoustic pop offering, whilst her gargantuan hit ‘Meant To Be’ crosses into country-pop territory. There are also elements of trap-hop, tropical house, and guitar-led songs. Despite the mixed bag of genres, the album is actually very cohesive in sound, and flows naturally from one track to the next.
Collaborations are kept to a minimum on Expectations, however, Quavo (‘2 Souls On Fire’), Tory Lanez (‘Steady’) and Florida Georgia Lane (‘Meant To Be’) give their respective songs an added edge. The rest of the album rightfully puts Bebe at the forefront, showcasing her for the superstar that she is. There is no denying that her distinct voice is nothing short of exceptional, as demonstrated throughout the album.
As the saying goes, what’s good is worth waiting for and that’s certainly the case for Expectations. It’s evident that Bebe has put her all into this body of work and the tracks reflect her versatility as an artist. Serving sensational vocals and emotion in abundance, Expectations is surely set to propel Bebe Rexha to the heights of superstardom she truly deserves.
Listen to Expectations below.
To celebrate the album’s release, Bebe performed a number of the songs on Good Morning America’s Summer Concert Stage on Friday. During her performance, she was also surprised with two Radio Disney Music Awards, as it was announced that she won for The Freshest Best New Artist and Best Collaboration for ‘Meant To Be’ featuring Florida Georgia Line.
Expectations is available now.
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