Canadian and Quebecoise singer Gabriella Laberge (or Gabriella) released a new album, Cycle Thru Season: a Portrait. The themes are introspection and melancholy.
The music is Pop. The compositions are phenomenal. The compositions are beautifully intricate.
The album has incredible semi-fast tunes. The song When I Close My Eyes parallels two great singles, Vance Joy’s Riptide and France D’amour’s Puzzle. It has an upbeat and energetic sound. The first version of 5 am has a great guitar beat. It parallels The Cranberries’ single Dreams with a more upbeat sound and Vanessa Carlton’s A Thousand Miles. It starts slow, then boldly changes in tempos. Strangers has a fantastic sound. In the beginning, it reminds me of Taylor Swift’s earlier works, and then the chorus parallels Barry Manilow’s single Mandy. The violin adds a lovely touch. All We Got (Is All We Need) has a fantastic, wavy rhythm. It parallels Pink’s single, What About Us. There’s an incredible energy.
The record also has remarkable ballads. The piece Any Better has a bold 90s vibe with an intense beat. It parallels Christina Perri’s single Jar of Hearts. The wavy rhythm is well-thought-out. I’ll Never Get Over You has an impressive blend of piano and violin. It’s slow and intense, complementing the song’s story. The piano beats sound like raindrops, creating a sorrowful effect. The tune “My Life Is a Joke” has a Taylor Swift meets Adele and Country vibe. The guitar in the background adds a bold touch.
Gabriella has two other versions of 5 am, an acoustic version and a rework.
In the acoustic version, the guitar creates a cosy vibe. It feels personal and intimate.
The rework version has a dynamic, old-school beat. The blend of guitar and violin is incredible.
Her voice is edgy and bold. She sings with heart and soul, and her vocal style parallels Billie Eilish, Taylor Swift, and Christina Perri. She has a dynamic way of singing.
The songs have impressive lyrics. The song When I Close My Eyes is heartfelt about following one’s dreams. It’s a lovely metaphor about grounding oneself and keeping hope alive.
The piece 5 am is about uncertainty/confusion and contemplation. It’s a poetic, heartfelt metaphor for soul-searching.
Any Better is about anxiety in a time of emotional darkness, especially during the winter months. The emotions are profoundly raw- genuine vulnerability.
Other songs discuss heartbreak at various stages. The song Strangers is about life after a breakup in which seeing the ex happens. The heartbreak and nostalgia are relatable. The mixed emotions are well-described, covering the challenging time of moving on from this separation. I’ll Never Get Over You is about a difficult time after a breakup, representing sadness and confusion. It’s a beautifully written piece that’s relatable and vulnerable, and the emotions are profoundly raw.
There are also tunes about having hope. All We Got (Is All We Need) is a lovely tune about love, hope and dreams. The song My Life Is a Joke is well-written about going from doubt to hope and determination. It beautifully shows how by having faith that things will be clear.
The album Cycle Thru Season: a Portrait is available.
