Madison Beer released her third studio album, locket back in January. Her sincerely emotional storytelling, paired with her stunning vocals are present throughout the album. While having been in and out of the spotlight, Beer has been creating music as a part of her healing journey. This album is a prime example of why you should keep an ear out for her music in the future.
Madison Beer was raised in Jericho, New York, with a love for singing, writing, and performing music. After being discovered at only 12 by Justin Bieber through a viral YouTube video, she was ready to pursue her dreams. However, a series of trials and tribulations led to her being dropped by her label and struggling with her mental health. Despite it all, her passion for music persisted, and she released her first EP, As She Pleases, independently. Since then, she has signed to Epic Records and has released two full-length albums, Life Support and Silence Between Songs, with moderate success. Now, locket has cast the spotlight on her once again, garnering positive reception and landing her on the Billboard Hot 100 for the first time.
The album explores a dreamscape of desire, heartache, and vulnerability. The use of bubbly synths with sultry undertones establishes a smooth R&B sound. Songs like “bad enough” and “angel wings” show off the vocal prowess that Beer has been crafting for over a decade.
In an appearance on the Kelly Clarkson Show, she conveyed her difficulty with selecting singles, as locket was produced to take the listeners on a journey and be experienced as a full album. Ultimately, “make you mine” and “yes baby” were chosen to be released as singles and gained widespread acclaim. Both songs have a dance pop sound, with layered melodies and a pounding bass line, creating great tracks to hear in a club setting.
She shines brightest when employing restraint, allowing for a beautifully mellow aura to wash over the listener. “you’re still everything” is a masterpiece, as Beer conveys something both comforting and haunting. The composition of various auditory elements sends a shiver down my spine in the best way possible. The standout track on the album has to be “bittersweet,” which is her best-performing song to date, landing her on the Billboard charts. The pulsing synth forms an upbeat foundation while her soft vocals build through the song and develop an engaging story about moving on.
Throughout Locket, Madison Beer showcases her talent in multiple areas. She demonstrates her abilities as a pop musician, producer, and storyteller. Beyond that, she communicates her continued growth as a young adult existing in our world today. Some have tried to categorize Beer as ‘just another girl in pop,’ but this album proves she is not to be underestimated.