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Ava Max Delivers Pure Pop Magic on ‘Diamonds & Dancefloors’

Photo courtesy of Atlantic Records.

Diamonds & Dancefloors marks the return of Ava Max. The artist’s sophomore album released on January 27, 2022 which is more than 3 years after the release of her debut album, Heaven & Hell. Max’s second studio album was released under Atlantic Records.

Diamonds & Dancefloors combines elements of pop, dance-pop, and electronic music. The album is reminiscent of Max’s first studio album because of its catchy melodies and empowering lyrics but it takes a more mature approach to pop music. Max has writing credits for each track on the album.

On February 12, 2022, Ava Max cut off her signature, “Max Cut”, her half long and half short platinum blonde hair and dyed it red. Fans became suspicious that a new era was starting. The album was originally supposed to be released in October of 2022 but was postponed to January of 2023.

The album includes 14 tracks. The first track, Maybe You’re the Problem, was released in 2022 as the lead single off of the album. The song combines pop and dance/electronic music and tells the story of a breakup with a selfish partner. It’s inspired by songs from the 1980s. Much of Max’s musical catalog reminds me of pop and dance music from that era.

Million Dollar Baby was the second single to be released from the album. The song tiptoes around the ideas of self-worth and overcoming adversity. It’s a pop and electronic song that starts with grief and ends in emancipation.

Weapons was the third single to be released. The song contains a powerful and inspiring message of embracing your own freedom and independence. 

Dancing’s Done was the fourth single to be released from the singer’s second studio album. The story is about max pursuing the object of her affection. Essentially, the lyrics paint a picture of a couple having a night out dancing and the music has stopped. The couple has to figure out what’s next for them.

Max revealed to Billboard that her sophomore album is her most personal work to date. Diamonds & Dancefloors is a piece of work that encompasses Ava Max’s best abilities as a musician. After my first listen, i can say there are tracks that i absolutely love and some that i don’t which is okay. 

I’d have to say that Maybe You’re the Problem, Million Dollar Baby, Dancing’s Done, Sleepwalker, and Hold Up (Wait a Minute) are my favorite songs from the album so far. They’re all distinct from each other but share those pop and electronic undertones.

I believe that Ava Max is one of the most underrated pop artists right now. she’s able to create these infectious melodies and pair them with meaningful lyrics. Moreover, she can sing, like, really sing. She can sing piercing notes and ones that are in her lower register.

Rating: ★★★½

 

 

Diamonds & Dancefloors is available to stream wherever you stream music.

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