First debuting her name to the world as a contestant on FOX’s the X Factor, Camila Cabello rose to fame as a member of five girl group “Fifth Harmony” from 2012-2016, standing out as the lead vocalist in the group. In late 2016, Cabello announced her decision to continue her musical career as a solo artist, leaving the group as well as leaving questions in the minds of Fifth Harmony fans all around the world. One year after announcing her leave, Cabello is back with her debut, self-entitled 10 track album “Camila.”

This album mixes the bright pop sound loved by radio listeners a crossed the globe, while also incorporating rhythms of her Cuban-Mexican roots, making this album specific to her and her heritage. Releasing “Havana” as the lead single off of the album, it features rapper Young Thug, and stands out from the rest of the album as being one of the few that exhibit the upbeat, spicy vibes that make you want to grab a friend and head to the dance floor.

Currently at No. 2 on the Billboard charts, “Havana” leads as a top single of 2017 and a Camila fan favorite. Following that is songs “Never Be the Same,” relating the idea of chemicals that intoxicate the brain to being in a relationship, and ‘Real friends,” sharing her experiences with repeatedly getting let down by fake friends and paper towns she just wants to break free from.
Connecting to listeners who have ever had a secret crush on their ex, Cabello sings, “It sounds like you’re happy with her, but does she kiss you like I kissed you?” with just a guitar and her robust vocals in “All These Years.” Breaking from the mellow tone, “She Loves Control” brings images of a film with an Independent woman strutting down the streets of Cuba to the mind. It mixes traditional Cuban sound with guitars whilst also incorporating sprinkles of synthy beats throughout, making this a powerful song for women around the world.

Giving off an upbeat and relaxing sound by sampling island-like steel drums, “Inside Out” takes you on three minute vacation and through a story of Cabello’s experience growing up in south side Miami, “That’s where I was where you found me. Thought you could go on without me, now you can’t see you without me.” Sharing on previous relationships, Camilla slows down the album with ballads “Consequences,” speaking out about the consequences of one of her previously toxic relationship and “Something’s Gotta Give.”

Contrasting from others on the album, “In the Dark” gives off a lower-toned, classic pop vibe with familiar drum beats and her layered vocals sharing about her desire for a significant other to be real, honest and just let her in. Wrapping up the album, Cabello leaves a sexier and the rawest track for last, titled “Into It”. Giving off sultry vibes with “I see a king-sized bed in the corner, we should get into it,” is labeled as the “standout” on the album being a one of its kind.

Although only having 10 different tracks on the album, “Camila” seems to have a track for everyone, whether that be by sharing your tears and a box of tissues or sharing the dance floor. Having a typical pop sound, this album stands out from others with its Cuban additives making it a one of its kind. Within 24 hours of its release, Cabello’s album shot up to No. 1 in more than 100 countries, this being a first for any debut album released by a female. Being only the beginning for her as a solo artist, Camila Cabello has made it clear she’s only just getting started with her solo music career and can do it successfully by just being “Camila”.