ADÉLA is slowly becoming a household name, known for her pink hair, relatable lyrics and hit tracks ‘Superscar’ and ‘Ain’t In LA’. After competing for a place in KATSEYE on the reality show Dream Academy and being the first eliminated due to being seen as a solo artist, the panel surely saw a star on the horizon. Now, with her debut album ‘PRIMA’, ADÉLA is finally getting the chance to shine and introduce herself to the world in her own style. Throughout the 11 tracks, she creates a colourful, upbeat, vulnerable piece of art that showcases her identity.
ADÉLA naming her debut album ‘PRIMA’ is beautifully chosen, as prima is a ballet term meaning first, referencing her history of ballet and the discipline that has shaped the performer she is today. Throughout the album, ambition and performance run across all tracks, leaving the fans wanting more.
Opening track‘KGB’ becomes her reintroduction, bringing the listener into her world and how she became the woman she is today. Throughout the song, ADÉLA tells the detailed story of becoming an immigrant, moving from Slovakia to LA, working hard and teaching herself English: "I was, like, eight, working the night shift to learn English". The lyrics are layered on top of a loud, theatrical and purposely over-the-top production, giving the diva energy ADÉLA is known for. This is an introduction that makes it very clear what artist she wants to be: unapologetic, realistic, funny, glamorous and completely committed to her role.
One thing that impresses ADÉLA’s listeners is the way they can embrace every side of her without it feeling like many different artists. ‘Nicole Kidman’ leans into a celebrity fantasy, feeling like a role model by the way you dress or act. Nicole Kidman is aware of this track and ADÉLA, as well as planning to be at her Nashville show later this month. Kidman joined TikTok in the last month, posting her first video to ADÉLA’s hit ‘Ain't In LA’. ‘Nicole Kidman’ is a positive girls' girl anthem alongside ‘I’m The Man’, which embraces womanhood and women being able to do anything and everything men can do.
Following on, 'Boys’ becomes a sexy, playful, club-ready tune that feels very early 2000s. This is a very obvious tribute to the love of pop artists that came before her, but 'PRIMA' feels like more than just simple nostalgia. ADÉLA takes those influences and weaves them into her own personality and artistry. Personality is arguably her greatest strength throughout this album. ‘Red Bottoms’ continues the glamorous side of the record, while ‘Hitachi’ is a beautifully written, calm ballad where ADÉLA touches on her emotional and vulnerable side about a relationship that has gone cold. Talking to Teen Vogue, ADÉLA said, "I wanted this album to honour that inner child instead of staying in the same angry lane”.
‘Fantasise’ reintroduces the dancey, pop tracks ADÉLA is known for. This track is a silly, goofy, unseriously written song about fantasising about a situation that will never become a reality. Towards the end of the song, ADÉLA shows off her higher register as the track comes to a close. ‘Starving Artist’ reaches another level of her personality, showing the realities of pursuing a creative career within an album that is full of glamour and confidence. It fits perfectly within the ‘PRIMA’ aesthetic, as beneath the fantasy of becoming a worldwide popstar is the reality of everything she sacrificed to get there. This track gives another glimpse into the person she is behind the music.
‘Marijuana’ gives a different type of high-energy pop; even though it’s a short track, it’s the perfect dance break as the listener comes to the end of the album. There is confidence throughout these tracks that demonstrates exactly why millions have grown to love her.
Throughout all the high-energy, dancey pop anthems, 'PRIMA' becomes particularly interesting when‘Therapy’ hits. This song is one of the most vulnerable moments across this project. Pulling away from major production, ADÉLA reflects on what her dreams have cost her. Under all the jokes and glamour is someone who left home and sacrificed her personal life to pursue her career. This vulnerability gives the album another layer of relatability.
As 'PRIMA' comes to a close, ADÉLA ends it on a high note with‘Ain’t In LA’. The high-energy, empowered track gives listeners a relatable anthem that all their wishes and dreams can become a reality, even if they are not in the city that is deemed the place where all dreams come true. ADÉLA finishes this project by acknowledging where she has come from. It’s an addictive production, and a sense of optimism stands out, but the biggest strength is how personal and intimate it feels. ‘Ain’t In LA’ is not just about being famous but refusing to forget the little you who wanted that dream in the first place.
'PRIMA' may not be flawless, but it is confident enough to make its imperfections part of the journey. Most importantly, it leaves listeners intrigued about what is next for ADÉLA and for her debut album, which might be her biggest achievement so far.
Chloe Ridgley
Image: 'PRIMA’ Official Album Cover
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