★ ★ ★ ★ out of 5
Every year, a fresh and invigorating group of female artists rightfully make their way onto the scene, working hard and fighting to shake things up for those who are always sitting too comfortably on the top of the charts.
With Charli XCX making a splash in 2013 to Meghan Trainor dominating in 2014, Cherrytree Records artist Ivy Levan brought her own brand of "swamp-hop" to the masses with enough confidence and sass to immediately draw attention and create positive buzz just as soon as the first page of the 2015 calendar was visible.
From her slightly more jazz-influenced beginnings with songs including "Hang Forever" and "Hot Damn" to the fiery pop/dance release of "Biscuit" in early 2015, the 28-year-old has shared the stage with rock legend Sting, performed for crowds at the annual SXSW festival and garnered praise from pop heavyhitters including Adam Lambert, all leading up to the anticipated release of No Good, Levan's eclectic and powerful debut album.
Levan quickly kicks the door wide open as "The Dame Says", a previously released December 2014 track, gets the album started on the right foot. The raw, attitude-filled and explicit pop track has a welcomed rock edge that compliments the unique tone of the artist's impressive vocal performance. While far from her innocent-seeming beginnings, the track does work as a successful link to Levan's previous efforts and the sound of her debut album.
"Biscuit", the club-ready, tongue-in-cheek official lead single, commands attention and gives listeners some insight as to how Levan has been inspired by her Southern roots. "I think you might have missed it, I think you got it twisted, when I told you to kiss it, my biscuit, my biscuit," she sings on the explosive and suggestive chorus. From the confidence exuded by the talented artist to the catchy, dance worthy production, the song was the perfect introduction to Levan's mainstream sound.
The album's title track, "No Good", is a slow, sultry-sounding track where Levan claims the love of her man has left her in an unpleasant state of mind. Levan's soulful, edgy vocals quickly take the spotlight, supported by layered production that stays true to the intriguing style she's created for herself over the years.With all the elements of a traditional ballad, the artist keeps things interesting with some sass in her vocal performance that would fit in perfectly with the traditional rock genre.
Every girl desires nice things, even if they may not have the means to pay for the extravagant lifestyle. On "Champagne Taste", Levan is lost in a green illusion as a hip-hop styled beat accompanies a carefree premise. "It's my party, I'll get loud if I want to, champagne taste with a Bud Light budget, I know you love it," the artist proclaims on the track's radio-friendly, summer-charged chorus. The fun, sassy nature makes for a great, promising potential single.
All albums have a slight misstep. Unfortunately, "Like A Glove" featuring rapper Cadre does not do anything remarkable or groundbreaking for Levan. While the message behind the unique, whistle-heavy track is adorable, and the verses are top notch and well written, the chorus falls flat, bringing the quality of the finished product down a few notches. The featured guest's verse is comical, however, slightly juvenile.
Levan calls on the assistance of Los Angeles-based DJ/producer Diplo for "27 Club", one of the album's darker moments. With a defeated tone in her voice, the artist sings of wanting to be remembered forever, like some of the great musicians of the past, instead of slowly fizzle out and be forgotten. The emotional, hard-hitting songwriting will grab the listener's attention, Diplo's percussion-heavy production is a solid addition, but Levan's performance steals the show.
On the catchy yet somber "Best Damn Thing", Levan's gorgeous vocals and the personal lyrical content take center stage. "You outta know by now, what goes around comes around, say it again, I was the best damn thing," the artist belts in response to the actions of an unappreciative former lover. The sparkling, light production during the intro may paint a different early picture, but it's clear, Levan is struggling with pain, heartache and empowerment.
"Misery" plays out as the first traditional ballad on the album as Levan expresses the hurt caused by someone she used to love. Production is kept minimal on the emotional effort, with the artist's shining vocals at the forefront. It's great to hear Levan excel when accompanied by loud horns and dance beats, however, she seems to hit new and exciting heights when she lets the powerhouse performance do all of the talking. Beautiful yet somber track.
In one of the most unexpected yet greatest collaborations of the year, rock legend Sting joins Levan on "Killing You", a pop-leaning duet where the two artists create an excessive amount of unnecessary drama that eventually leads to the demise of a relationship. As a mentor, there is strong, noticeable chemistry between the effortless performances of the artists, coming together for a beautiful harmony on the track's standout chorus.
With her confidence and fearlessness at the forefront of her attention-grabbing persona, it's strange to hear Levan out for the count. "Johnny Boy" is another soft ballad where the artist sings of missing her man, waiting for his return, or at least an answer to her countless phone calls. "You didn't give a reason, you didn't tell me why, no you just, left me hanging on the end of the line," she sings with a defeated tone as listeners witness the happiness floating away.
The album closes out with "It Ain't Easy", where Levan lays her intentions out to potential suitors for all to see. Constructed as a tender ballad, the artist's vocals are soar beautifully over unfortunate circumstances, the pain in the performance cannot be ignored. Levan sings of doing her best to make everything in the relationship work out right, but she's not perfect. The production complements the delivery while the content gives the song a needed personal touch.
No Good is a well-constructed, effective debut album that gives a complete sense of who Ivy Levan is as an artist. The self-proclaimed "swamp hop" songstress perfectly sums up her unique sound as the album effortlessly glides over thumping, fierce dance beats with jazz/soul inspiration where her bold and daring personality dominates. However, just when you think you've gotten the full sense of Levan, she surprises with tender ballads of heartbreak that highlight the vulnerable, more accessible side to the usually tough exterior. The artist's vocal performances are consistent and controlled throughout the album, while her songwriting allows listeners to peek a little deeper into her life. Despite layered in misfortune and pain, the album paints a bright, promising picture for Levan.
Tracks to Hear: "No Good", "Champagne Taste", "Best Damn Thing", "Killing You feat. Sting" and "Johnny Boy"
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