2006 has been a year full of female teenage singers making big splashes on the pop charts. 17-year-old Texas siren Paula DeAnda continues the trend with her debut album by showing off a beautiful voice and making it clear why label head Clive Davis signed the singer on the spot. Although there are typical lead album missteps here, DeAnda looks to be off to a strong start.
Playing To Her Audience
It is unlikely that many 40-year-olds will initially be rushing to the record stores to pick up this young teen's album, and Paula DeAnda and company know this. The end result is an album full of songs about teen break-ups and relationships with DeAnda’s captivatingly strong vocals pulling in the listener throughout. The singer’s vocal register falls somewhere between that of fellow teen star JoJo and pop diva Jessica Simpson. Even with a powerful voice, Paula DeAnda rarely oversings, and most often soothingly coos about relationships she wishes she could have back as well as adoration for a special someone.
Music Of The Moment
It is clear that J Records head Clive Davis has big hopes for his newest diva as many of today’s top producers and songwriters were enlisted for the project. The album kicks off with lead single “Doing Too Much” which bathes Paula DeAnda’s cries of relationship frustration in a pool of melancholy strings. This is followed by the Stargate produced hit “Walk Away (Remember Me).” Written by Ne-Yo, the album highlight combines soft piano touches with spurting synths and conjures up memories of early Mariah Carey. These songs showcasing DeAnda’s vulnerable side are then counteracted by “Easy,” a sassy anthem produced by up-and-coming producer, and Timbaland protégé, Danja, giving the album some much-needed spice with a fun guest rap from Lil’ Wayne. As is the case with many debut albums, however, the disc unfortunately becomes ballad-heavy, with the exception being an over-the-top, club conscious track titled “Make ‘Em Clap To This” which tries a little too hard.
Bright Future Ahead
With a couple of hit songs already under her belt at a very young age, Paula DeAnda appears to be off to a great start. Unlike many new artists in the industry today, DeAnda has a great deal of talent to go along with her good looks. Her self-titled debut proves that she already has the backing of many of the biggest names in the industry, and that is reason to believe there will be even stronger albums in the near future.
