Review: Lauren Alaina Releases Self-Titled EP

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Lauren Alaina released today her self-titled EP, a five-track amalgamation of pop/country goodness, drizzled with sugary R&B tones. Bold production and saccharine vocals set the tone for the release, . The single, “Next Boyfriend,” was released to radio on September 28.

Alaina starts the EP with “Road Less Traveled,” a girl-powered call to arms to brave the tougher path, a theme she upholds through the entirety of the release. “We didn’t get this far to get defeated / we want the world to see, world to see / that we’re coming for the victory and now we’re making history,” Alaina sings in the larger-than-life chorus on “History,” which is currently being used by ESPN to soundtrack college football coverage. Though many country artists have dabbled in pop, especially in recent years, Alaina’s songs aren’t just pop-infused, they’re full blown, with hooks in each verse and huge builds for each chorus. Alaina’s vocals, which at times lean R&B with her ability to nail difficult vocal runs, especially in “Painting Pillows,” recall Jordin Sparks, with a powerhouse pop feel that recalls Kelly Clarkson. “Next Boyfriend” channels the attitude and sassily-sung style that’s recently proven successful for artists like Kelsea Ballerini.

Alaina’s songs hold up in a pop climate, for an incredibly catchy and inviting release from the former American Idol. The EP serves as a taste of what’s to come, as Alaina works on her second LP due next year.

Lauren Alaina EP Track Listing

1. Road Less Traveled (Lauren Alaina, Jesse Frasure, Meghan Trainor)

2. Holding The Other (Lauren Alaina, Emily Weisband, Eric Olson)

3. Next Boyfriend (Lauren Alaina, Emily Weisband, Matt McVaney)

4. Painting Pillows (Lauren Alaina, Lindsay Jack Rimes, Alex Masters)

5. History (Lauren Alaina, Emily Weisband, Jesse Frasure)

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