Singer. Songwriter. Producer.

Pop meets country meets dance?

Bebe Rexha’s debut album exceeds Expectations.

I’ve been a fan of hers since listening to “In the Name of Love” – gorgeous melody and lyrics.

Vulnerability. Confidence. Creativity. Love. Life.

Guitar is prominent on the album.

So here’s a track-by-track review:

(1.) Ferrari

Beautiful, raw opening track.

The track opens with solo acoustic guitar – such a beautiful songwriting technique – it creates such an intimate sound. Bebe joins the guitar and sings, “I’m a Ferrari pulled off on Mulholland Drive / Over the city, the lights are so pretty from up here.”

The chorus concludes:

I’m a Ferrari and after the party is done
I keep on going, missing the moments
Living in the fast lane is getting kind of lonely.

(2.) I’m a Mess

Driving rhythm. Catchy.

(3.) 2 Souls on Fire (feat. Quavo)

Lighter instrumentation compared to the first two tracks.

(4.) Shining Star

Sparse instrumentation is used in the verses.

(5.) Knees

Bouncy. Light. Acoustic.

(6.) I Got You

Released as a single before her album release, “I Got You” is playful and catchy pop. Its repetitive chorus lyric, “I Got You” gets in your head – everything the song needs.

(7.) Self Control

Playful. Light. Fun. B Minor. Reminds me of Camila Cabello’s “She Loves Control” – now that would be a fun mash-up.

(8.) Sad

Music contradicts the song’s lyrics.

(9.) Mine

The song, written in a minor key, uses a pentatonic scale.

This anthem repeats the word “mine” throughout the chorus.

Because love.

(10.) Steady (feat. Tory Lanez)

Minor key. Bass. Mid-tempo. The song’s rhythmic beat reflects the title: Steady. Word  painting.

(11.) Don’t Get Any Closer

Dramatic.

Slow.

Backed up with bass and beats.

(12.) Grace

Mid-tempo ballad. Beautiful soaring melodic line. Tension builds. And the energy releases in the chorus.

(13.) Pillow

Ballad. Concrete imagery about love as addiction.

(14.) Meant to Be (feat. Florida Georgia Line)

The most country-sounding track on this album, Florida Georgia Line opens the duet. Bebe joins in after the first verse.

Playful, flirty and fun.

Stream Bebe Rexha’s album if you want some cross-genre influences crafted as pop.

Bebe Rexha’s creativity will exceed your expectations.