ALBUM REVIEW: ‘NO STRINGS ON ME’ - CALLUM HAWTHORNE
‘No Strings On Me’ pushes the boundaries of what pop can be in the best way possible. The debut album from Callum Hawthorne truly defines his artistry as its cohesiveness shines as a true standout.
The album opens with first track ‘No Way Out,’ a dark-pop song with a steady beat that sets up the rest of the album perfectly. Although it is the opening track it was the last track written for the 12-track album, making this the perfect opener and introduction. One of the track’s highlights is the way it melts seamlessly into track two, ‘Alien’. Carrying on that same catchy beat, ‘Alien’ is all about feeling alienated in your own life as the lyrics sing: “Why do I feel like an alien? Nobody here understands me.” This album takes on some heavy themes with loneliness becoming a reoccuring one. A thumping bass in the background that grows more intense into the chorus helps to mesh this track into the one before.
‘I Do It Confident’ is a club hit in the making. This single is Hawthorne’s debut single (released 2021) and serves as the lead track for his debut album. The fast paced beat alongside heavy synth and a catchy chorus, the danceability of this track is unmatched. Track three feels fun, fiery and will unlock your inner confidence. Alongside a music video with over 24 thousand views, this is just one of the many standout tracks from this album.
“I created I Do It Confident as somewhat of a reminder to myself, to always be true, and to not live just to please everyone else. The theme of control was a big element of this project, it's about taking control of your yourself and not being afraid to create distance from those negative surroundings." - Callum Hawthorne.
‘Broken Shards’, is a hidden gem on this album. With a pre-chorus that builds into the catchy chorus, this track will be sure to have you singing along with him upon the first listen. While Hawthorne says that this song was one that took the longest to finish, it all paid off for this future hit.
‘Outta Love’ leans more into pop in this breakup anthem. All about being okay with being on your own, the lyrics feel like an almost hopeful take on the loneliness theme that’s present throughout. The sound gives off a 2016 vibe, with a steady poppy beat that feels reminiscent of Troye Sivan and The Chainsmokers, in a more mature way.
“We got so far, but we fell outta love // we tried so hard, but now I’m movin’ on.”
Track six feels like we’re doing a 180 after ‘Outta Love’ with ‘Amnesia’ playing on those darker feelings and emotions. There’s an edginess to this song, feeling darker than the others. Focusing on living in the moment and trying to push away those darker thoughts, Hawthorne, as he does throughout this album, nails a catchy beat to contrast those darker lyrics.
‘I Never Lost My Crown’ features a stellar vocal display from Hawthorne. We see the range of his voice in this building track, with a chorus full of impressive high notes. Relying on synth and cascading vocals, this track feels quite inspiring in the face of a breakup, and bouncing back better than ever.
Next is the infectious ‘Dangerous,’ the eighth track and the second single released from Hawthorne’s debut album. A song that needs to be played loud with the windows down, the bounce in the song from the bass makes it one of those songs you need to listen to. The boost into the chorus will draw you in instantly with this fun, dance pop track.
As we get closer to the end of the album, ‘Gasoline’ and ‘I Love Me’ feature catchy chorus and a light pop beat. ‘Gasoline’ captures those fleeting moments you have with someone, like lovers without the commitment, while ‘I Love Me’ feels a little more self-explanatory. In track eleven we come back to those club elements, with ‘Rose Coloured Glasses’ feels like something you’d hear on a good night out. With an irresistible rhythm, catchy is an understatement with this track.
Saving the best for last, ‘Break In’ closes out the album. A stripped back, softer sound feels like the perfect ending to this album. As the last single to be released before the album, we see more into Hawthorne’s vulnerable side through this intimate ballad.
A talented singer and dancer, Hawthorne is a bold new artist breaking into the music industry with his explosive vocals and infectious sound. His debut single ‘I Do It Confident’ and his follow ups ‘Dangerous’ and ‘Break In’ have all exploded on streaming platforms, with ‘Break In’ amassing over 12,000 streams on Spotify alone.
‘No Strings On Me’ was produced by MSquared, the Melbourne creatives behind Aloe Blacc, Will Hyde as well as Oliver Rio. Hawthorne’s music videos and creative content is directed by Nathan Smart (OOMPH!), who has also worked with other iconic songwriters including RARIA and JXCKY. With an impressive team behind him, it is clear that Hawthorne is working with the best of the best and is not messing around.
Released August 29, ‘No Strings On Me’ relies heavily on synth beats and bass that shines throughout the album, feeling very reminiscent of pop icons like Lady Gaga and Australia’s own Troye Sivan. This album feels perfectly crafted, as we follow this sonic journey with him. Every track on the album has a purpose, and without any of these songs it wouldn’t feel complete.