26 September 2023

Truth Is

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Reviewed by Ian Phillips.

By Sabrina Claudio, Atlantic Records 2019.

Puerto Rican/Cuban singer/songwriter Sabrina Claudio is new to me but based on this album she’s someone who deserves more of my attention.

Truth Is marks the culmination of a three-year process that has seen her rise from a D.I.Y. bedroom singer/songwriter to international headliner and charismatic femme fatale.

Apparently, this album differs from her previous efforts in that she has made a conscious effort to work closely with a series of co-writers and producers.

The process has helped her greatly expand her musical horizons.

She comments: By letting go of my fears and concerns I gained so much freedom and with that freedom I’ve also gained confidence… I don’t believe collaborators get the credit they deserve. In my case they played an enormous role in this album, affected my growth, removed my fears, and are the inspirations behind the stories shared on Truth Is.

The album cover artwork includes their portraits drawn by artist Markedric.

Sabrina has a sultry voice and her songs ooze sexuality.

They are not simple straight forward pop songs.

There are many varied musical styles blended to form quite a different musical statement.

As I have not heard any of her previous work the interesting musical collages could be largely the work of her collaborators.

If it is, it shows how inspired her decision to work with this talented group of musicians was.

Either way the album is the winner.

It really is far more interesting than a lot of albums by young singers who sit squarely in the centre of the pop idiom and don’t push boundaries.

Amongst the collaborators are the well known Julia Michaels who has worked with Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez, Simon Wilcox (Nick Jonas, Camila Cabello) and Stephen Moccio who co-wrote the two end piece songs for the movie Fifty Shades Of Grey.

I think it is wonderful that Sabrina has been mature enough to acknowledge the input of these impressive but often unheralded artists.

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