Sometimes rowdy, frequently playful, and brimming with spark, the debut album by Canadian pop singer 12 tracks. From suggestive, digital sludge-pop romps like "Cloud 69" to good-natured, socially minded affirmations like the catchy cheer leading of "LGBT,"
We Loved Her Dearly
puts the young Torontonian's variety on full display. Brought to life by a committee of producers that includes Swedish veteran
Martin Terefe
(
Ron Sexsmith
,
Train
KT Tunstall
) and British songwriter
Paul Herman
Corinne Bailey Rae
Emeli Sande
), along with several others, the album contains a host of great ideas and sounds, but with all those cooks in the kitchen, it can sometimes feel a bit unfocused. Much of the music rambles along in a state of distorted experimentalism with a mix of synths and compressed rhythms reminiscent of early
MGMT
, while
Lowell
's unique voice casually dips and dives through a variety of impressive ranges. Her more minimalist summer pop efforts on "Summertime" and "Palm Trees" are lovely and engaging, while the laid-back, midtempo charmer "The Bells" coasts along with a distant warmth and a group chorus of "where'd the beat go" that sounds dangerously close to
Sparks
' similar group chant from their 2002 cut "The Rhythm Thief." Meanwhile,
's themes of affirmation and feminism are quite refreshing on inspiring cuts like "Words Were the Wars" and "I Love You Money."
shows a lot of promise and there's plenty to like about
's attitude and talent, but some gentle tightening of her vision would go a long way in strengthening her image. [
was also released on LP.] ~ Timothy Monger