First Listens: We Need to Talk by Tayla Parx

Tayla Parx, co-writer on two Ariana Grande number ones, formally known as Taylor Monet Parks, released her debut album, We Need to Talk on Friday. Right from the beginning, Miss Parxs establishes her sound, easy lyrics, bright pop sensibilities, with twinkling guitars and some syncopation. That's it. Simple, and not not enjoyable, but for fifteen tracks, the album is a long one.

Highlights on the album include "Slow Dancing," a song about her femininity filled with a very fuzzy bass line, and stuttering ad-libs. "Afraid to Fall" builds its sonic backdrop off of iMessage sound effects, before adding some sultry harmonies, and very happy trap drums.

The title track is most likely an unused Ariana Grande demo, one that was maybe too happy for "thank u, next". "What you Do" interlude has characterful drum sounds, but the 2015 "mum drops" (to quote another popstar, Matty Healy of the 1975). that accompany that song, as well as most of the others, leaves the song pretty forgettable.

Overall, the album feels relatively unfinished, and (dare i say it) basic. In headphones, the album sounds like some weird soundcloud-meets-the-Chainsmokers pinball machine. The album is grounded (somewhat) by Parx's talented vocals, but the album misses conviction and earnestness. "We Need to Talk" was a text message conversation of an album, and it maybe needed a phone call.

Stream the Album Here:

Rating: 4.5/10

Album: We Need to Talk

Artist: Tayla Parx

Label: Tayla Made Inc. (Atlantic)

Listen to if You Fuck With: Kellk Clarkson, 2015 Ariana Grande, Meghan Trainor

cover photo retrieved from taylaparx.com