Since debuting back 2007, Californian Pop Singer-Songwriter Colbie Caillat has released cheerful music adored by all. Begun with 2007’s album Coco, included hit singles “Bubbly” and “Realize,” a year later she recorded the Grammy winning duet “Lucky” with Jason Mraz. Her second album, 2009’s Breakthrough, co-written by Jason Reeves, was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 2010 Grammy Awards. From then to now, Caillat has sold over six million albums worldwide and over ten million singles.
Now she returns with her newest album, Malibu Sessions. Her sixth overall studio album, it was released on October 7, 2016 via her own independent record label, PlummyLou Records. Written, produced, and ready to be released before the unveiling of 2014’s Gypsy Heart, Caillat’s shelved effort finally sees the light of day.
Eleven tracks in total, each resembles Caillat’s typical airy, upbeat sound. First is “Gypsy Heart,” which features the sounds of waves with Colbie’s voice slowly fading in from the back, setting a mellow tone that makes one just want to lay on a beach in, well, Malibu. Once the mood is set, her signature acoustic guitar makes itself heard with soft drum beats to build the tempo. This only helps amplify the happy sound associated with all of her music. Next, the album’s lead single, “Goldmine,” starts with cheerful whistling, maintaining the beat from the previous song. This is a nostalgic song talking about memories had with a love and how even if they did not have much, being together is like being rich because of all they have experienced. It is a song to blast with the windows down while driving through a sunny beach town.
Moving on, “Cruisin” brings back the sounds of the beach, this time with children playing in the background and people holding a conversation, making it feel like the listener is there. The mellow acoustic guitar riffs come in with the soft guitar drumming as well. More mellow than the previous songs, the cheery vibe is still very present. The song follows almost like a daydream, speaking of all the beauty and freedom of an open day to do absolutely anything. In contrast, “Like Tomorrow Never Comes” starts right off the bat with the guitar bringing the super upbeat tone right back, making sure the listener stays in the legendary mood set by Caillat’s music. Thereafter, “Only You” and “Good Thing” have the same happy sound as the others with a similar love-filled message. Then, “Runnin,” though with a similar message, slows it down, focusing mainly on the acoustic guitar, making it a more relaxing track.
Really bringing the tempo down, “Never Got Away” comes in with soft guitar riffs and a subtle tambourine in the background. Here, Caillat changes the mood from the primary one carried out through the larger portion of the album. Furthermore, “Don’t Wanna Love You” keeps the melody slow, letting one stay in this mellow state of mind. As the album comes to an end, the music really winds down while “In Love Again” utilizes piano, a change from the rest of the album which included mainly guitar. Last, but most certainly not least, Caillat finishes off the album with “Now,” and while still trying to keep the softer tone, this is slightly more upbeat than the prior four tracks. It is the perfect song to tie the medley of ups and downs together.
All in all, The Malibu Sessions did not disappoint those looking for the well known and widely loved sound of Colbie Caillat. As always, she has produced an album that keeps one feeling cheery with spirits high; perfect music to listen to during a fun summer getaway. CrypticRock gives this album 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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