Louder (Lea Michele album)
Louder is the debut studio album by American singer Lea Michele. It was released on February 28, 2014 by Columbia Records. The album was preceded by the release of the album's lead single, "Cannonball". Michele collaborated with many songwriters and producers on the album, including Stargate and The Monsters and the Strangerz, both of whom have previously worked with recording artists such as Rihanna and Demi Lovato. Musically, the album is set in the genres of pop, power pop and EDM. Lyrically, the album speaks of strength and empowerment, romantic relationships, and loss of love.
Louder
February 28, 2014
2012−2013
Roc The Mic, Westlake Recording Studios, Henson Recording Studios, Pulse Recording Studios, EastWest Studios, Magical Thinking Studios
42:29
- Josh Abraham
- Benny Blanco
- Chris Braide
- Scott Cutler
- David Hodges
- Matt Rad
- The Messengers
- Monsters & Strangerz
- Colin Munroe
- Oliver "Oligee" Goldstein
- Ali Payami
- John Shanks
- Sir Nolan
- Stargate
- Sean Walsh
Louder received mixed reviews from critics, with many criticizing its material as outdated, and comparing it to albums by other pop singers like Katy Perry and Celine Dion. However, Michele's vocal performance received generally positive reception. In the United States, the album sold over 92,000 copies in its first week, debuting at number 4 on the Billboard 200 albums chart. In the United Kingdom, the album debuted at number 16 on the UK Albums Chart. In Canada, the album also reached the number 4 spot in its first week of release. As well as the first single "Cannonball", four promotional singles were also released in the lead up to the album. Songwriters who worked on the album include singers Sia and Christina Perri, and Academy Award-nominated lyricist Anne Preven.
Influences[edit]
Michele has said that she had a number of musical influences on this album, including Katy Perry, Lady Gaga and Kelly Clarkson.[6][9] Talking to Billboard about Louder, Michele said artists such as Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift and Miley Cyrus were also sources of inspiration.[9] It was reported that Michele and her team consciously decided on "big, splashy, anthemic pop" theme for her debut, "a cross between Evanescence and Kelly Clarkson without a whiff of a show tune".[10]
Composition[edit]
The single "Cannonball" was written by Sia. Originally, this song was not meant for Michele; it was introduced to her a month after her boyfriend's death and she had an instant connection with its lyrics because they encapsulated her feelings in that moment. Michele has stated, "I just felt that "Cannonball" was the perfect first song for people to hear from this record. It just really explains where I am right now and it's been such an inspirational song for me. The minute I heard the song, I had a physical reaction to it. For me, it's been my strength. I listen to it every day. I know it was brought into my life for a reason. It's really been so helpful for me and I hope it's the same for other people as it's been for me."[16] Because of this, Sia gave the song to her. Sia also wrote the song "Battlefield" especially for Michele, and co-wrote "If You Say So" with her.
Talking about the title track "Louder", Michele has said, "It's a song that, no matter what, I can play in my car with the windows down. I feel like it shows off my voice as a singer, which is really important to me, because that’s what I do. I want to make sure that every song on my record is fun and enjoyable, but also, you hear my voice in them."[17] Michele also stated, "I didn't want to find songs that I had to change myself for. I wanted to find songs that would only highlight my sound and were unique to me. I didn't want to fit any mold. I wanted it to be something that couldn't be replicated by anyone else. It was important to me that the album began with "Cannonball" and ended with "If You Say So". I have to acknowledge what I've been through this year. It was really difficult, which I think is represented in "If You Say So" and a song like "Cannonball" represents finding strength and hope. These are the two sides of my life right now. The grief, but also the search for strength and hope. I really wanted those two songs to bookend the album. Really let everyone know where I'm at."[18]
Singles[edit]
"Cannonball" was released as the album's lead single on December 10, 2013. Michele challenged her fans to unlock the cover art for the album by tweeting the hashtag: #LeaMicheleLouder. Once the cover art was unlocked, a short sound teaser of "Cannonball" was also released via Michele's website.[19] "Cannonball" reached the 22 spot on Billboard's Digital Songs Chart, and debuted at number 75 on the Hot 100 in the United States, selling over 51,000 units in its first week through digital downloads alone.[20] Michele made a number of television appearances to promote the track. She performed the song on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and The X Factor USA during the "Cannonball" release week.
"On My Way" was released as the album's second international single on May 4, 2014. "On My Way" had previously charted on the Canadian Singles Chart at number 85, and reached number 45 on the Singles Charts in both France and Spain. Michele performed the song on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on March 19, 2014, after revealing on her Twitter account that "On My Way" would be released as the album's second single.[21]
Notes