Ella Mai releases debut album

British singer and songwriter Ella Mai released her eponymous debut album, “Ella Mai,” Oct. 12. The rising R&B star has already released three EPs, but this marks her first full-length album—a major milestone in her career.

After posting covers on her Instagram in 2016 for a small base of followers, famous productionist DJ Mustard reached out to Mai and signed her to his record label. Despite this step, Mai was largely undiscovered until the release of her hit single “Boo’d Up” in 2017. That song made her the first UK artist in 26 years to top the U.S. R&B chart.

“Trip” was the first single off her album, which many people know from its hook line, “My bad, my bad for, trippin’ on you (trippin’ on you).” The song’s catchy lyrics have made it one of the most popular songs on the album. The other notable single is the Chris Brown feature, “Whatchamacallit.” This track has a solid beat that makes it fun and colorful, and it stands out from some of her slower songs.

Her new album is very impressive for a debut, but it’s a little redundant when compared to the beats of her older music. Though her lyrics and vocals never fail to impress, many of the songs sound familiar to her 2017 EP songs. Most have a classic, catchy beat that becomes all too familiar by the end of the album. If Mai had been able to create a more complex sound, the album would’ve been more memorable.

Regardless, Ella Mai is a testament to the power of social media and and she is adored by the media. If you have a nice voice and post online, you too might just get signed with  a record label. 4/5