ALBUM REVIEW: Let Her Burn

Rebecca Black - Gardening

2011 viral sensation turned promising hyper-pop artist, Rebecca Black, released her first LP on February 9. Despite public scrutiny, Black consistently released music post-"Friday” era though her efforts remained relatively low-key. Arguably, her appearance in YouTuber Alexis G Zall and Amy Ordman's videos bolstered her public image again – especially among the queer community. By 2020, she dropped several pop singles, including an extremely chaotic reimagining of “Friday”' featuring Dorien Electra, Big Freedia, and 3OH!3. It’s safe to say she’s been working on a comeback for quite some time now. As a nosy gay person, ex-YouTube obsessor, and casual Rebecca Black fan, I had to give the album a whirl. 

Let Her Burn proves itself a good starting point for Rebecca Black. She keeps it pretty short here at thirty minutes and thirty-nine seconds. The lyrical content delves into the psyche of a recently emotionally scarred Black. The first four tracks are the singer at her most vulnerable. She beats herself up over choosing her toxic lover, saying “she deserves it” and that she “hopes it destroys her.” The wording is straight out of a diary entry, complete with newly wet ink – no scribbling out anything either. The unfiltered self-degrading tone appeals to her teenage/young adult fanbase, especially for the love forlorn. The main highlights of these tracks are the all-too-familiar blown-out bass, speedy tempo, and vocals reminiscent of Charli XCX and Caroline Polacheck. Sadly, the middle of the album falls in a weird liminal space between a radio-friendly pop ballad and spacey, almost experimental B-sides that kind of took me out. Luckily, the last couple of tracks lure us back in with Black healing from the toxic relationship and bringing along a darker sound with more enticing vocal delivery. There’s even a little 80s power pop influence throughout the second to last track, “Look At You.” 

I’m glad this was the album to save me from my new music slump. If you’re looking to get into some mild-mannered hyper-pop, support a newer artist, or are ready to move on from your busted ex this is the album for you! Three cheers to self-love and greener pastures! 

- Kai Wayans aka DJ Truant

Recommended If You Like:  Charli XCX, Caroline Polachek, Kim Petras
Recommended Tracks: 
“Crumbs” Track 4
"Look At You" Track 9
"Performer" Track 10
FCC: Explicit -- Track 5, 6, 8, 9