Album Review: "Sound of a Woman" by Kiesza

Sound of a Woman, by Canadian dancer, singer-songwriter Kiesza, pushes the debut star to become a signature electronic-dance act. The set is respectable, laden with hook-heavy tunes, as worldwide smash "Hideaway," though the twenty-five-year-old newcomer seems caught between commercial pop success and what she may deem as scholarly presentation.

There certainly is a 90's feel to Sound of a Woman. The production recalls deep house of the era, such as Haddaway's "What Is Love," which is actually covered on the album, but as a hauntingly beautiful ballad, with Kiesza's performance highlighting the intention of the lyrics through the backed-off production. When the album isn't holding to its house influence, it takes hold of Kiesza's jazz expertise to ride into the realm of 90's R&B, recalling Madonna's R&B flirt Bedtime Stories, though Madonna's effort holds more true to a dance-pop root than this release.

The entire album comes with good production, vocals, and songs. However, it's hard to hand out strengths to the set when its sound isn't unified. We begin with heavily dance-influenced "Hideaway" and "No Enemiez" but then veer into R&B land, only revisiting the deep house near the end of the set. Versatility is good on an album, but it sounds like we are listening to tracks that belong on two separate releases. Since the album's more danceable tracks have been released as singles for its promotion, it appears Kiesza is attempting to market as an electronic artist, in which case, the album would benefit from a full ride in that genre. Instead, its R&B, which is most of the album, backs too far from its dance tracks. That said, what is on the album is nothing to sneer at.

Kiesza's talent is definitely a highlight surrounding this album. She isn't shy to show off her range and clear vocals, and she certainly doesn't hold back her dance ability in her music videos. She is a trained professional and intends to use her talent to get where she wants to go. The biggest drawback to this, though, is that she is all skill. There is little here with actual personality, despite having written all the songs herself.

Standout tracks include worldwide dance hit "Hideaway," its sister follow-up "No Enemiez," and ballad cover "What Is Love."

Would I recommend it? If you're a fan of the defining sound of "Hideaway," you'll have to keep an open mind with this one. It's not exactly what you'd expect its parent album to sound like. Still, if you're a fan of female R&B, you might really take to the deeper selects of the release.

Kiesza definitely has potential within her. Hopefully, with future releases, she and her producers remember to allow each track its unique personality while not orbiting too far from a focused center.

I give Sound of a Woman 3 out of 5 stars.