★ ★ ★ ★ out of 5
Sometimes incredible talent goes unnoticed, as is the unfortunate case of Australian native Betty Who. With the help of an adorable same-sex marriage proposal viral video, Who received recognition for her single "Somebody Loves You", a piece of pop perfection. Since then, she's released two videos for the track, a critically-acclaimed EP and toured with Katy Perry. Now the blonde beauty debuts her sparkling new album, Take Me When You Go.
With songs from her past two extended plays as well as tour favorites including "High Society", Who delivers uptempo pop offerings that have more meaning that what may be found on the surface. While some tracks are bright, soulful and uplifting, the artist makes it clear her life isn't all sunshine and rainbows. Among the new tracks are somber, heartfelt ballads that showcase exquisite vocal performances and top notch songwriting talent.
The synthpop nature of the debut album kicks off with "Just Like Me", a midtempo effort which truly gets rolling once the hook comes through. "If you keep reaching for me in the dark, and can't stand it anymore, then you just call me name, I will do the same," Who gorgeously sings while the welcomed bass supports her soft vocals. A pop song detailing an unreachable love has been done, but Who hits a home run.
On "High Society", one of the album's previously heard tracks, Who transports her listeners back into the realm of the 80s as she sings of living as royalty while drinking Chardonnay every single day. While the effort sounds like something a pop star left off their last record, Who sells the material with ease as the message of desiring the finer things in life will make for a sing along worthy future single.
Comparisons to Katy Perry could quickly be made on "Glory Days" as Who sings of a young love during the golden age of her life. The 80s pop influences are heard loud and clear as the track takes on a more uptempo pace compared to the preceding songs. For those lovestruck teenagers, those who reminisce on fireworks and basement make-out sessions, the adorable love song should find an audience.
Considered one of the best pop songs of the year, "Somebody Loves You" is the type of track every artist wishes they could get their hands on. With one play, the carefree nature of the love song will bring a smile to one's face as Who's tender vocals allow a sense of warmth to overtake the listener. "Who cares that you get home safe, who knows that you can't be replaced," she sings before the infectious dancefloor-ready chorus finally comes through.
"Missing You" would be the first true ballad off the effort and it definitely shines bright, even though it tackles some less than joyous subject matter. The song depicts the downsides of giving you heart up as Who sings of missing the one she wanted to lay down with every night, the guy she always dreams of. There is a sense of sadness and optimism in Who's vocals, which truly carry the song.
The ballads keep coming as "Better" shows the artist pouring her heart out to the man who makes her day a little easier to handle. Who tackles the verses of the track with a soft and innocent delivery, which leads up to the loud and unexpected electro-pop production that supports the heavenly chorus. Once again, the spotlight is on the vocals, and Who does not disappoint. She sounds confident and in her element.
Strangely, a song where Who was credited as just a featured guest makes her debut album's final cut. "All Of You" stands out from the rest of the track list with its interesting EDM-inspired production which would garner a positive response on any club floor. Though released back in 2013, the track could get a deserved second chance if radio smartly picks up this adorable stomper.
Though better suited for an early summer release as opposed to the middle of October, "Runaways" could quite possibly be the direction Who finds success with in the future. "You keep me lit, and I'm a loaded gun, but you love me better than anyone," Who sings. The snyth-pop creation has a "Teenage Dream" quality to it, the top down, wind-in-your-hair vibe, and ultimately becomes a single-ready pop song with actual substance.
The starry intro of "A Night to Remember", reminiscent of a RuPaul dance track, sounded promising, however, the song eventually becomes just an average offering. Soft and sweet, the effort never wavers off the same one note and unfortunately gets a tad boring as it progresses. The instrumentals are quite impressive, as is the vocal performance, but everything else seems forgettable.
"Heartbreak Dream", originally released at the beginning of the year, is a multi-layered, upbeat song that deals with the complications of a relationship. Instead of calling for an end to it all, both parties decide to continue with a love that appears to be dead. Though Who states the track is not about the typical break up, it seems to paint a grayer picture when speaking of heartache.
Who certainly has found a way to take the typical love song and turn it on its head. "Alone Again" was featured on her previously release EP and marked a change in sound and style for the Australian artist. With an awesome guitar solo included on the piano-driven, somber but not really love song about a couple's time in the bedroom, it shows Who's confidence for stepping out her comfort zone.
Said to be her favorite song on the album, Who delivers with "Dreaming About You", a song that details the constant reminders of a former flame when you're just trying to forget about them completely. "I'm still loving you in my mind, I'm dreaming about you, It keeps nagging me all the time," Who confesses on the bright, cute yet unfortunate love song. The track will definitely resonate with listeners.
The slowest number of the album is saved for last. "California Rain" has Who singing of how her lover always seems to let her down like the chances of rain in The Golden State. Supported by a simple, beautiful piano, the song doesn't go for the hard-hitting high notes or the infectious production beats, it's just an artist pouring out her soul in hopes that the one person comes across it.
Take Me When You Go is a wonderful, bright, well-crafted debut release from a talented, sadly overlooked female artist. The project screams "pop music", but accomplishes so much more in terms of vocal delivery and songwriting. However, while there aren't many reasons to not enjoy the album, it does, at times, sound like too many influences are coming together at once. With a fun, distinct 80s style, songwriting credits from many big names in the game, vocal similarities to Katy Perry and Adele, it almost feels like we don't get a sense of Betty Who really is. She definitely has what it takes to succeed in the game, she deserves the chance, this album just does not set her apart from the rest of the crowd as much as it should have.
Tracks to Hear: "Just Like Me", "High Society", "Runaways" and "Dreaming About You"
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