Mabel - High Expectations

Mabel - High Expectations (Released 2nd August 2019)

14 tracks 

Pop - R&B 

The debut album from Mabel, who over the years has time and time proved she is a force to be reckoned with within the music industry.  As this is her first full studio album, the title 'High Expectations' was one of the first things to stand out. This album was highly anticipated on release, the album title is fitting for her first studio album.  As previously she had - and still does have - a successful run of singles for example 'Finders Keepers (with Kojo)', 'Ring Ring (with Jax Jones)' and 'My Lover (with Not3s)'.  It is easy to expect high exceptions from this album off the back of such successful releases in the past.  After listening to this entire album and also the new additions, it is safe to say that Mabel well and truly delivered.  There is some gems in this album. 

The original album on release only had 14 tracks - which included  'Mad Love' and 'Don't Call Me Up' - it has since had multiple additions to the online digital album - which now include the successful singles 'Boyfriend', 'God is a Dance' (with Tiesto), 'West Ten (with AJ Tracey)' and the older releases 'My Lover', 'Ring Ring' and 'Finders Keepers'.

Tracklist

Track 1. high Expectations - Intro

Track 2. Bad Behaviour

Track 3. Don't Call Me Up 

Track 4. FML

Track 5. We Don't Say...

Track 6. Selfish Love (with Kamille)

Track 7. Lucky - Interlude

Track 8. Mad Love

Track 9. Trouble

Track 10. Put Your Name On It

Track 11. Stckhlm Syndrome - Interlude

Track 12. OK (Anxiety Anthem)

Track 13. I Belong To Me 

Track 14. High Expectations - Outro

A short orchestral piece featured at both the beginning and the ending of the album.  Album intros seem to be becoming more and more common within pop driven albums and it always is a great element to add into a record as it can become a unique feature really setting the album off.

Of course the 2 biggest songs from the original 14 track album are 'Don't Call Me Up' and 'Mad Love', but the rest of the tracks are by no means skip tracks.  So don't be to quick to overlook the rest! The album brings the girl power vibes with 'Bad Behaviour','FML' and Put Your Name On It', they will for sure make you feel uplifted and empowered.  The majority of the tracks on the album are funfilled, uplifting dance floor tracks.  All with a similar pop R&B sound that has become very familiar and a recognisable sound for Mabel.   However 'OK (Anxiety Anthem)' is one track in particular that really stands out, with the lyrics "Wake up with a knot in my chest, tried everything just to get out of bed/It's okay not to be okay..." an extremely relatable song that music fans love from artists, when an artist shows vulnerability or shares personal lyrics.  This is how they grow with their fans and when a song resonates personally, it forms a strong bond with their loyal fanbase.  This track is one of the best songs lyrically on the album.  The interludes 'Lucky - Interlude' and 'Stckhlm Syndrome - Interlude' are a great addition into the album and both introduce the next track well.

Mabel has well and truly proved that she is a force to be reckoned with in the industry.  This album including the additions has racked up an eye watering 1 billion online streams and 5 top 10 singles, which for a first studio album is an incredible achievement and to watch where Mabel goes and what else she will achieve in the future is exciting. A modern, relatable and exciting artist.