Adéla’s debut album Prima showcases a 22-year-old pop artist willing to take creative risks on her path to stardom. The Slovak-born performer, who relocated to Los Angeles four years ago and was eliminated early from Netflix’s Pop Star Academy, channels her ambition and determination throughout the nine-track project. While some songs lean heavily on established pop formulas, Adéla demonstrates genuine artistry when she moves beyond obvious declarations of stardom and instead lets her talent speak for itself.
The album’s opening track, “KGB,” struggles under the weight of its own ambition, but Adéla finds her footing elsewhere. “Nicole Kidman” delivers one of her strongest vocal performances, pairing soft delivery with commanding authority over bass-heavy production. Similarly, “Boys” taps into classic pop sensibilities while showcasing her potential for mainstream success. Her wit shines through consistently, whether she’s delivering confident quips or exploring themes of independence and desire across the record’s dance-oriented tracks.
Prima balances pop maximalism with deeply personal storytelling, particularly on “Therapy,” where Adéla addresses the sacrifices required for her career. The penultimate track reveals vulnerability as she reflects on missing her younger sister and navigating industry gatekeepers. While certain songs like “Starving Artist” feel derivative and some moments reference hyperpop nostalgia a bit too heavily, Adéla’s voice and perspective distinguish her work. Her confidence and quick wit suggest she has earned her place in pop music.
Originally reported by Rollingstone →
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