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EP Thoughts

Like most of us, we first encountered Alessia Cara in 2015 with her debut single “Here.” Many of us thought it was a fascinating debut, a delightful blend of UK R&B and summery pop. However, it wasn’t until this 2019 EP that I truly connected with her music. “This Summer” showcases a mature sound, sparking my musical interest for the first time. It’s a subtle jazzy electronic pop EP.

From the very first five seconds, you want to crank up the volume and blast it! The bassline, combined with a captivating spacey echo horn segment, sets the tone for the EP. “Ready” feels like a song you can’t just sing; you have to scream it! The chorus, featuring a sample from the introduction, blasts behind Alessia Cara’s deep, confessional voice as she expresses her frustrations to a boy who’s been changing his mind about his feelings for her. The earworm of this song is the chorus: “Oh, You’re Not Ready For, Ready For, Ready For, Ready For Me? / Oh, You’re Not Ready For, Ready For, Ready For, Ready For Me? / Go Steady On Your Heavy Heart, Until You’re Free / Until You’re Ready For, Ready For, Ready For, Ready For Me / Until You’re Ready, Ready For Me.” After your first listen, you’ll be singing the chorus on repeat. 

The thick basslines seamlessly transition from “Ready” into “What’s On Your Mind”. This smooth bassline, with subtle accents, forms the song’s foundation. It tells the story of a man who’s not communicating his thoughts. Alessia Cara’s creative writing truly shines here. What could have been a simple insult towards her partner is turned around on him with passionate intensity. Lyrics like “How Am I Supposed To Know What’s On Your Mind?” and “You Should Know Better” directly point the finger at him for the miscommunication. The passion behind these sentences is palpable. The production is clever, with ad-libs. These are subtly distorted to sound like the partner mimicking her. It’s a masterful use of sound.

The iconic neo soul feel of “Like You” remains, with a distinctly jazzy sound layered over a heavy hip-hop beat.  The beat is the song’s focal point, its production value undeniable, especially the subtle maracas and shakers in the chorus. The deep drum beat provides a striking contrast to her almost childlike vocals and ad-libs.

“Okay Okay” was fascinating with its production. The rapid speed changes and various noises throughout the songs create an intriguing listening experience. However, personally, it never quite resonated with me. It felt a bit too chaotic.

The contrasting emotions evoked by “Rooting For You” are quite striking. It begins as a slow jazz piece featuring acoustic guitar, gradually transforming into a production playground. A drum machine and horn section create a captivating soundscape. The bouncy beat injects a playful energy, while the song’s dynamic interplay keeps it engaging throughout. It’s a perfect choice for a BBQ, maintaining that relaxed yet upbeat atmosphere.  

“October” is the most balanced song on the EP and a favourite for many. This smooth jazz number perfectly captures the essence of a summer drive. Its gorgeous melody structure allows for a rich, wordy narrative while still giving the song space to breathe. The double beat leading into the chorus adds a simple yet effective element that brings the band together for a full musical experience. Towards the end, after the bridge, there’s a truly beautiful moment where the music pauses, aside from the bass, allowing her vocal tone and control to shine. This pause makes every word she sings sound more powerful and almost like scripture. It’s a stunning moment before the band returns for the song’s conclusion. As I mentioned, the song is incredibly well-balanced, with every element – from the lyrics to the ad-libs before her final line, “I’m Gonna Miss You When It’s Done” – serving a purpose.

This raw and emotional EP delves into her romance and the transition from teenage to adulthood. It explores not only her life but also her emotions. While the writing and storytelling represent a transition, the EP itself marks a clear commitment to her mission of creating beautiful adult-sounding songs.

Track List

1. Ready
2. What’s On Your Mind?
3. Like You
4. Okay Okay
5. Rooting For You
6. October