Seemingly from nowhere this seventeen year old kiwi gained a fast track to super stardom when her song 'Royals' hit the airwaves. Immediately people made their opinions on the singer ranging from one song wonder to all out super fan. Unable to get the song out of my head I waited eagerly for her debut album to drop and when it did... well I still have it on repeat now.
Standing at ten tracks long the steady electro-pop beats pulse in the background of Ella Yelich-O'Connor's mature vocals as she croons about what it's really like being a young adult in today's society - rather than that of the life painted by the addicting, yet false image that shows such as Gossip Girl paint to the public. Clever metaphors turn songs about parties gone wrong and the struggle of finding your way - and being comfortable with that way - into hard hitting truths when deciphered.
The album's opening line "Don't you think it's boring how people talk?" on 'Tennis Court' sets the way for the rest of the album and straight away informs the listener that she's not scared to tell it how it truly is with the final line "let 'em talk" on 'A World Alone' being a daring exit to her debut. The vocal range and gorgeous layering flawlessly boasted on Pure Heroine is perhaps at it's best on 'Ribs' where Ella sings"I've never felt more alone, it feels so scary getting old" whilst simultaneously flashing every teenager on the planet back to a party they've had the misfortune of attending - or hosting. With it's harsh imagery 'Glory And Gore' oozes an invincible vibe with deliciously low vocals. 'Team' captures the need for the feeling of freedom and change in her own story-like world that calls out popular culture. Closing song 'A World Alone' is the largest jewel on this necklace bursting with precious stones. Guitars make their first appearance and hook you in to this last delve into the diary of a self-aware teenager with a mesmerising voice.
Pure Heroine is a captivating, moody entirely un-formulaic pop debut that doesn't shout and scream for your attention but earns (and deserves!) it and one thing is for sure this pop princess is fast becoming my queen.
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