ADÉLA PRIMA Album Review

Aidan Salas 

Music Journalist

A new pop girl has emerged and released her debut album, PRIMA. ADÉLA was introduced to us as a contestant in Pop Star Academy: KATSEYE documentary series. The Slovakia-born, Los-Angeles based singer has been putting the work in to become the next main pop girl all this time.  

I’ve always had my eye on her because I knew she had the stage presence and attitude, but most importantly talent. This album comes from a student of pop music. A lot of new pop girls’ debut albums consist of referencing icons in the music industry like Madonna, Britney Spears, Beyonce, Ariana Grande, etc. ADÉLA’s references aren’t any different. 

ADÉLA’s debut album is named PRIMA which translates to “first.” It also is used in the ballet scene translating to prima ballerina (the principal female dancer) which she has a background in and has been dancing all her life. I thought naming your debut album a term from your native language was unique and different, especially since she is the only Slovak pop star we have right now.  

Prior to her debut album, she has released an EP titled The Provocateur. This EP began her fanbase and formed her as a cult classic artist like Addison Rae, Charli xcx, and Slayyyter. The EP has more of anelectro-pop, dark, sometimes tongue-in-cheek, but always bold and honest. A lot of her fans are saying her album is the opposite of that, which I can agree with.  

My first listen to the album was more positive. I am a fan of pop music, so I do enjoy the trend of 90s, Y2k sounds, and 2010s fun music on this album. PRIMA is all over with this; it has contemporary R&B, alternative pop, dance-pop, and electro-pop. When you hear her EP to her album, sonically it is very different. However, I do have to say I feel like the vision for this project definitely changed throughout the time they were working on it. The reason why I fell in love with her artistry was because of the more interesting sounds on her EP and how unusual visually she was. With this album, it feels more washed and more of the label’s idea of what ADÉLA is as a pop star.  

Songs like “KGB” have the dark, bold, fun side of ADÉLA. With a lyric saying “I was, like, eight working the nightshift to learn English,” which is fun, camp, and meaningful because it shows how hungry she is for the platform she wants. Additionally, the song “Marijuana” also sounds like her true artistry even though it is the shortest song on the album with the timestamp of 1:50. ADÉLA has good songs that are fun, like “Nicole Kidman,” “Boys,” “Red Bottoms” the second single, and “I’m The Man.” “Ain’t in LA” is definitely the highlight of the album, a good pop song anthem. It’s going through a TikTok viral moment with its beautiful message of you don’t have to be in a big city to be special and be the superstar you are. The song does remind me of Miley Cyrus 2013 era, a song like “We Can’t Stop”.  

Towards the middle of the album is where I was hesitant. None of these songs are ‘bad’ but some of these songs are not fully finished; the production is off, or some of the melodies are a bit boring. Which is unfortunate because ADÉLA has a beautiful voice. In “Hitachi” she is talking about her relationship and how her partner isn’t fully satisfying her and now more dismissive. Lyrically, this is interesting. However, the production is very stale, it has strings and a piano. Personally, I feel like there could’ve been more to the song especially since topics like this aren’t really popular in pop music. Another song, “Therapy” isn’t a listenable song. The song is more of a rant song and talking about all her problems and the surgery she got midway of making this album. I did not enjoy this song, but I did appreciate the artistry and bravery it took to release this song since it’s not a typical ballad that we are used to. 

Overall, I do have more positive notes on this album. Most of these songs are not perfect pop songs, but good ones. However, as time goes on, for me it’s not a full playthrough album like I was hoping it was. I for sure have my favorites, but I can appreciate what she was trying to go for, for the album in general. I’m still rooting for her, especially since it’s her debut album. I’m sure she is still figuring out her artistry and what she wants to do. I gave you my personal ranking of each song; they are my opinion so it might be different from a lot of people. 

Ranking: 

1. Ain’t in LA 
2. Boys 
3. Nicole Kidman 
4. Marijuana 
5. Red Bottoms 
6. I’m The Man 
7. KGB 
8. Fantasize 
9. Therapy 
10. Hitachi 
11. Starving Artist 

My final ranking shows my interest in pop songs. I do enjoy a fun, catchy song more than a ballad, but still enjoyed what the songs were talking about. The album isn’t bad in any way. However, it is disappointing to have this since I was excited for an iconic debut album. I’m excited to see her flourish now since her album is out and she will get the attention she deserves. I’m excited to see her tour, dances, and vocals and will support her because I know she is someone that’s promising and still has a bright future ahead of her.