Staff Editor: Aidan Danforth
Email: adanforth@umassd.edu
The number one girly pop fan at UMass Dartmouth is back with another album review. Ever since the release of “Too Fast to Live, Too Young to Die,” the lead single for her new album, fans have been anticipating Nessa Barrett’s third album “Tough Love.”
That excitement only grew after the release of “Bad Girls Never Die” on August 21, accompanied by her second music video for the album.
“Tough Love” features a total of 11 tracks, and a third music video for the song “Tough Love” brings the dark vibe and heavily emotional lyrics that her fans continue to adore her for.
Track-by-Track Breakdown:
“Tough Love”: This is by far the most addictive song on the album. With its catchy background, beat, and repetitive (but fun) lyrics that flow perfectly with the rhythm, this dark romance track goes into the theme of the difficulty of finding love both in and out of relationships. What makes this song even better is the music video with visuals and a story that will keep your eyes glued onto the screen.
“Dracula”: Despite having nothing to do with vampires, this song follows the theme of knowing dangerous love, but still choosing to embrace it. There is also this rock ‘n’ roll vibe present with guitars that fit perfectly with the dark lyrics. Nessa uses a variety of rock ‘n’ roll elements in many of her songs, making this another example of how well she is able to combine different genres.
“Fetish”: What’s amazing about this track is how vulnerable it is. The narrator is open about their big flaws, and it’s the very thing that their partner is staying for. This is also a personal song for Nessa, and it is tough not to applaud her for opening up about her own struggles.
“Only For You”: This has a very familiar feel to “Dracula,” but it’s just a little slower. The song follows ideas of having a dangerous love for someone that they are willing to give up everything just for them. It’s emotional, strongly worded, and poetic, and it creates another memorable track.
“Glamorous”: This track is dark and emotional with amazing vocals that almost feel like Barrett is taking you into a movie. There’s this nostalgic vibe that revolves all around the challenge of being famous. Vulnerability is always admired in the music industry, and she does just that throughout this track.
“Coming Home Again”: Not even two seconds in, you’re met by a foot-tapping beat, followed by Barrett’s voice. Her vocals carry that Lana Del Rey-feel we hear in many of her newer songs. The song feels like someone is coming home again with its vulnerable feel.
“Bunny”: Unlike the previous songs which handle love and relationships, this one assures a feeling of independence. She makes this apparent through saying “not your bunny” and “not your girl,” which is a nice change from the previous tracks.
“Candy”: This is the most emotional song on the album by far: a sad song about the dark side of love and being used by partners. There’s no energetic beat or lyric to bring the listener’s spirits back up, as this is a straight up sad song that will surely tug at people’s heart strings.
“God Gave me Expensive Taste”: The last, newest song on this album is a slower track that focuses on Barrett’s ambitions for fame, claiming she’s had expensive taste since she was born. The background, beats, and lyrics don’t pick up, as this consistently slow track leads into her second single “Bad Girls Never Die.”
“Tough Love” is a consistent album that builds off of the incredible talent Barrett displays in her first two albums “young forever” and “AFTERCARE,” two albums that are also worth a listen. They have their own distinct identity and amazing tracks that will be in your head nonstop.
Hopefully, this album will allow Barrett to get more recognition and grow her popularity. Her dark and gothic energy adds something special and unique to the pop genre. I only got into her music back in July, and she’s been in my loop of Spotify artists ever since.
Whether you’re a pop fan, love gothic and dark things, or are a general fan of music, I would highly recommend giving Barrett a listen as she has a variety of songs that can resonate with you and get stuck in your head for days.