ALBUM REVIEW – SIA, THIS IS ACTING

Every since Christmas, I have been listening to Fleetwood Mac and only Fleetwood Mac. So when Sia’s new album came out and I took a listen, it was almost shocking to start hearing pop music sounds again. I never really followed Sia’s career, and really only knew of her when “Chandelier” came out, followed by “Elastic Heart”. I liked some of the songs off of her 1000 Forms of Fear album (like “Fire Meet Gasoline, Big Girls Cry, Cellophane and Elastic Heart) but not enough for me to buy the album or really consider myself a fan. That all changed, however, when she released This Is Acting, a montage of rejects from Adele to Beyonce and everyone in between. The really cool thing about this album is that all the rejects were songs that Sia wrote and pitched to all of these artists. And they all rejected them! However, this crafty and interesting tracks find their home within Sia and her very distinctive voice and sound. She creates a wonderful pop album. The only track she wrote specifically for herself was “One Million Bullets”. Songs like “Alive” were co-written by Adele and were intended to be included on her album, 25, though I must say I prefer Sia singing this heart-wrencher than Adele. When I first heard the dance song “Move Your Body”, I instantly though it sounded like Shakira. Low and behold the song was actually intended for her. Songs like “Reaper”, a Kanye West production, and “Sweet Design” were meant for Rihanna. Other tracks, like “Unstoppable”, were meant for Poot, I mean Demi Lovato. Upon first glance at the tracks and their intended artists, one may be quick to note that these songs don’t sound like they would blend well on an album. Demi is a far cry from Rihanna and Rihanna from Adele. However, Sia allows herself to incorporated her very raspy, very unique vocals belted out over very equally unique sounds. While This Is Acting may not seem like the music Sia typically sings herself, she allows these songs to find a home on an album that is both creative and all around wonderful. A must-listen for anyone interested in pop music.

TOP SONGS- Bird Set Free, Move Your Body, One Million Bullets, Cheap Thrills, House on Fire, Summer Rain (a Target exclusive bonus track)