Alessia Cara Releases Debut Album: “Know-It All”

By Lauren Shook
A&E Editor

Up-and-coming singer and songwriter Aleissa Cara released her debut album, “Know-It-All,” on Nov. 13.

With catchy rhythms and refrains that will get stuck in your head, this new pop album deserves a listen.

Canadian musician Cara was brought into the American spotlight with the release of her single “Here” earlier this year.

The song is a relatable anthem for anyone who does not appreciate the partying lifestyle.

Since the release of her EP, “Four Pink Walls,” the nineteen-year-old singer has performed on widely known shows such as “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” “The Ellen Show,” and “The Today Show.”

“Know-It-All” is a ten track album with songs featuring themes ranging from young love to reminiscing the past.

The deluxe version of the album features three bonus songs titled “Here (2:00 AM Version),” “River of Tears” and “My Song.”

“Here (2:00 AM Version)” is a jazz-inspired acoustic version of Cara’s popular single “Here.” The song features only a piano and Cara on vocals, which brings new emotion to the original song.

“Seventeen” is the first song of the album, and is aimed many millennials thinking about how fast life can pass you by.

With lyrics like “I was too young to understand what it means,” and “now I wish I could freeze the world at seventeen,” Cara explains what it is like to wish you could go back to a simpler time, before the responsibilities and pressures of growing up.

“Stone” is a heartfelt ballad composed of acoustic guitar, Cara’s touching vocal harmonies and a soft drumline. It describes how life is ever-changing, uncertain and sometimes you need someone in your life to be constant.

The song “Overdose” is a track about her experiences dealing with a difficult relationship. Cara relates her relationship to a rollercoaster, with ups and downs so volatile she would rather not be a part of it at all anymore.

The next track, “Stars,” has a vastly different theme. A slow paced song with a piano as the main instrument, Cara sings about the hopes and potential of a strong relationship.

“River of Tears” is an emotional song that is sure to bring tears to anybody’s eyes. Cara’s lyrics describe the hurt we can all relate to after the loss of a relationship. She sings about rising above the heartbreak and starting fresh.

The final song of the deluxe version of “Know-It-All” is titled “My Song,” and acts as a promise to both herself and her listeners. She sings of her plans to continue to write songs that she finds relatable and genuine.

Whether you are looking for a song that is heartfelt or feelgood, chances are you will find it on Cara’s new album “Know-It-All.”

The album is available on CD or digital download. If Cara caught your attention with her hit “Here,” then absolutely give it a listen.

Email Lauren at:
lshook2@live.esu.edu