Demi Lovato radiates confidence

Album review

Lilly Flack, Cougars Without Borders assistant editor


 

An image of a full-figured woman in latex underwear and slicked-back hair may leave just a sexual impression, but Demi Lovato exerts nothing but confidence in her new album cover.

The former Disney Channel star has been in the public eye for years, shedding a light on her eating disorder and struggles with depression. Lovato shifts this narrative with her most recent album to promote self-confidence and body-positive messages. The album is a representation of her personal journey and definitely displays her growing maturity in comparison to her earlier albums such as “Unbroken” and “Demi,” which focus on relationships.

She released the deeply emotional and powerful autobiographical album, appropriately titled “Confident,” on Oct. 16. From anthems such as the title track that empowers self-love to the compelling ballad “Father,” Lovato has received an overwhelmingly positive reaction from fans and critics alike.

“Father” addresses the difficult truth behind her parent, whom she considers abusive, and his death. The ballad has strong vocals and emotional lyrics that serve as an open letter for Lovato’s conflicting feelings—both love and resentment towards her father are evident throughout the song.

Lovato also lets her vulnerability surface in“Stone Cold,” an emotional track that sounds like a love letter to an old partner. Lyrics such as “I was your amber, now she’s your shade of gold” and “If happy is her, I’m happy for you” show her pain over a breakup and the difficulty of dealing with an ex moving on with someone new.

“Old Ways” is another track that talks about moving on from the past and becoming a new person. Lovato uses this particular song to address her personal issues of self-harm and eating disorders that have previously been covered in the media. The powerful line “I’m not in the same place that I was” speaks for itself, showing Lovato’s progress, which empowers fans who have faced similar struggles.

Despite the many songs on the album that Lovato uses to express her sadness, there are other songs on the album that are upbeat with positive messages of self-confidence, love and success. “Confident” has a catchy beat that has already become a top hit on radio stations and Billboard charts.

The album is rapidly becoming a pivotal moment for the artist’s musical career, as it is an encouraging message for fans and listeners around the world. Lovato truly made an album that is filled with more than just music.

Her new album is now available for streaming on Spotify and for download on iTunes and at www.demilovato.com.