Sia's "1000 Forms of Fear" - Album Review

  ★ ★ ★ ★ 1/2 out of 5

  Singer/songwriter Sia continues to remain a mystery. Though the artist is experiencing the release of her sixth studio album, her first in four years, and has penned tracks for every pop diva including Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Lopez and Beyonce, she chooses to remain out of the spotlight for fear of becoming famous. Her brilliant music and songwriting does all the hard work.

   For the new album, 1000 Forms of Fear, the singer chose to refuse any form of major promotion, including magazine covers and television performances. Still, the album becomes a strong collection of tracks, most of which could be released as singles, that provide a darker tone for Sia's impressive vocal performances and intriguing production choices. Preceded by the inescapable "Chandelier", the effort will surely become one of the most critically-acclaimed releases of 2014.

   Lead single, "Chandelier", kicks off the eclectic, slightly somber album on a very high note. Supported by an equally as powerful music video, the "electronic reggae" song details the deterioration of a party girl consumed by alcoholism. Though the production may give the track a courageous, uplifting vibe, the underlying message is anything but. The single is a necessary, deserved hit for the artist with the impressive pipes.

   While Fergie insisted that big girls don't cry back in 2007, Sia claims things have certainly changed in 2014 on "Big Girls Cry", a soaring ballad with minimal production where the artist admits to it being lonely on the top. "I may cry, ruining my makeup, wash away all the things you've taken," she sings on the glorious pop moment, a true highlight for the album. There is pain in Sia's beautiful voice, try not to shed a tear.

   "Burn the Pages" carries a light pop vibe, seeming to leave the dark subject matter behind for just a minute. Sia delivers an optimistic view into one's journey, even if her voice may be difficult to understand at times. Instead of allowing the past to haunt the present, just set fire to those pages of life. The production and vocals are set to a faster pace then the preceding tracks, becoming a bit more fun, hopeful and catchy.

   The emotional piano ballad, "Eye of the Needle", is another smash hit for Sia thanks to the feelings she is able to convey with her vocals, which end up becoming the highlight of the effort. The song does a great job at building and building with the supported instrumentals until it erupts in all its pop glory. Sia has crafted her own style of pop, a genre that focuses on vocals and songwriting instead of an infectious, radio-ready beat. No one can do what she does.

   If there was any song that deviated from the somber path of the album, almost to the point of sounding lost, it is "Hostage", a preppy, electro guitar-driven, summery pop song that sounds like a Gewn Stefani leftover. "It all begins with just one kiss, I'm held hostage by your love," the artist sings on the infectious chorus with vocals which come off similar to those of Paloma Faith. The adorable love song is a great listen, it just seems unnecessary.

   Just when listeners think Sia found her long-lost love, he goes for the kill in "Straight for the Knife", a track that shows the downfalls of a relationship. The song will resonate with anyone currently dealing with a crushing break up. The artist sounds vulnerable and broken as she sings of her former lover looking her in the eye with a shining blade in hand. While it may be a bit overdramatic, the artist definitely gets her point across.

   Sia chooses to look past any and all flashy production, in order to give a subtle, subdued vocal performance on "Fair Game". The song is the typical ballad, never really reaching its full potential. There's no true chorus, no build, no real progression. Vocals are spectacular, would make almost any other artist completely jealous, but for the first time, Sia has crafted a track that is unfortunately bland and boring.

   "Elastic Heart" was first heard as a contribution to The Hunger Games: Catching Fire soundtrack featuring The Weeknd and Diplo. The album version, however, shows Sia tackling the chaotic ballad solo. Some of the lyrics can come off as a tad cheesy, comparing a heart to a rubber band, but the power of the artist's vocals carries the song. It is a shining pop ballad that started the positive buzz for Sia's new full length album. Great job.

   Another highlight for the album comes in the form of "Free the Animal", a track with a radio-ready chorus and a slightly more sinister look at love. "I'll squeeze you tight until you take your last breath, loving you to death," Sia sings on the intriguing and personal mid-tempo ballad. The artist excels when she is accompanied by some sort of beat, never done to overpower her vocals, but the song is a success thanks to detailed songwriting.

   Though a second single seems to have already been chosen, "Fire Meet Gasoline" definitely deserves a chance to shine in the near future. Sia sings once again of love and romance, but this time around she sings how she would not mind if that love consumed everything around her. She would even introduce gasoline to the match. The song is very mainstream, very poppy, but remains intriguing heard through the voice of Sia.

   Some people may be turned off by Sia's vocal delivery throughout the album, on "Cellophane" she puts her lowest register to the forefront. The artist refers to herself as a basket case and a pill popper on the somber, somewhat depressing ballad as that turns into a personal plea when you take into account the artist's past suicidal tendencies. Add some "eh, eh, eh" and you have yourself a solid radio ballad with great potential.

   The album closes out with its longest track. "Dressed In Black" appears to be Sia's song of perseverance, of letting the light into her life when she was down and broken. There is a sense of strength present in the vocals and lyrics as she finds the one that makes her smile and laugh. "Life had broken my heart, my spirit, and then you crossed my path," she sings on a six-minute track that never once misses a beat.

   1000 Forms of Fear is an album which comes after Sia's new found success as the go-to pop songwriter, whether she wants the fame or not. Featuring some of the best vocals in the music game right now and meaningful, powerful lyrics that will hit a chord with any listener, the new album is a strong collection of ballads, and the occasional top 40 moment, that could all be released as potential singles. Sia is a unique artist who has decided to focus on the music, instead of the glitz and glamour that usually comes with becoming a star. Once you get passed her distinct way of delivering her lyrics, the album will become a staple, hard to ignore and getting better with every listen.

Tracks to hear: "Chandelier", "Big Girls Cry", "Eye of the Needle" and 'Fire Meet Gasoline"