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ALEXANDRA YOUNES
‘All I See Is Me’
Album Review

(15th August 2022)

Interview by Paul Kapeleris

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Photo – GZee Pix

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What happened to the powerhouse pop queens? The Christinas, the Mariahs, the Kelly ‘Since U Been Gone’ Clarksons? So much of pop music today is filled with breathy understated vocals with hooks so simple even old Brett down the road could nail them. Let me introduce Alexandra Younes, an accomplished singer/songwriter from Sydney whose jaw-dropping belts never fail to dazzle a crowd. From soft vulnerable whispers to earth-shattering pop-rock vocals that soar high above the stratosphere, Younes latest release “All I See Is Me” cements the young artist as one of Australia’s finest. Produced by Dom Cabusi, and mixed and mastered by Rick Austin, Alexandra has combined her songwriting talents with a team that makes her shine like a perfectly-polished mic stand. Catch her performing live at the Great Club on August 21 for what is sure to be an unforgettable show!

“Without You” opens the record with an emotionally-intense banger. Younes’ ability to combine the sweet and the sombre is utterly enchanting. Our ears are first met with a picked acoustic guitar that resonates with defeat and bitter heartache. Younes takes a light approach with the verse vocal, giving a performance that exudes vulnerability and indecision. The track continues to build, adding another guitar before fading to silence. Then the chorus hits. Younes’ raw power demands the listener’s attention, and it is impossible to do more than absorb the utter perfection in her pain. Paramore fans will love the arrangement and adore Younes’ rock-influenced delivery and tone. With arguably the most impressive vocal performance on the record, Alexandra puts her best foot forward with this elegantly-crafted masterwork. “It’s time that we let go, no one has to hurt anymore”. Taking that first step and facing the world alone can be scary, but “Without You” will give anyone the final push they need to make a change.

Not every day invites future-shaping growth. Sometimes just getting out of bed is in itself a victory. This is the energy Alexandra channels in the universally-relatable “Sick & Tired”, where she fears missing out on a meaningful life due to inaction. The pitter-patter percussion coupled with a healthy dose of piano give the song a subdued feel. The listener is immediately drawn in by a seamless blending of digital and acoustic sounds that would make Dan + Shay proud, with great lyrics and a catchy chorus to boot. “I just wanna feel like somebody without trying so hard”. We are all too familiar with that crippling sense of despair in our wasted potential, and this song will perfectly encapsulate that feeling as Alexandra’s pristine pipes give you a reason to smile.

Arguably the most unique and interesting track on the record, “Pedestal” is a rock ballad dripping with personality and class. A deliberate lack of percussion contributes to the song’s feeling of travel without destination, accentuated by Alexandra’s impressive demonstration of her upper range. This track bears light influence from Kelly Clarkson’s “Piece By Piece”, especially the defiant yet anxious chorus. The heartfelt lyrics tell a story of being unable to uphold the mountainous expectations of others, but simultaneously finding it impossible to let them down. Younes’ love of the piano is especially evident throughout, with gorgeous chords maintaining a steady harmonic base so that the guitars and vocalists can freely soar. “So high and I don’t wanna fall, my feet can’t touch the ground”. With a melody you’ll be humming for days, “Pedestal” deserves a top ranking in anyone’s ballad best-list.

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“Mirror” presents us with a new side to Alexandra Younes, one that is playful and majestic, and more than capable of critical self reflection. This track manages to be a certified bop while discussing self-hatred and a hesitation to change. A strong, driving beat makes this song great road trip material, and screaming out the chorus is both cathartic AND a total blast. Though the lyrics don’t hit quite as hard as previous tracks, the overall message and sound more than make up for it. “Didn’t want to believe I was the only one in my way”. With some ear worm vocal effects and tastefully-integrated pop-rock elements, “Mirror” guarantees good times and great vibes.

When neither party can quite let go of a bad relationship, it’s impossible to begin healing. The record’s proclivity to explore deeply negative emotions give each song a quietly brooding edge. “Think About Me” is no exception, discussing the intrusive thoughts that plague the narrator as they attempt to move on, but are continually pulled back in by their former partner. Electric guitars early in the song prime our ears to what may be the most effective chorus on the album, its simplicity allowing for instant recognition and accessibility. It’ll be an absolute joy to belt out this 80s-inspired power-pop anthem along with Alexandra at her upcoming show on the 21st at the Great Club. “I’ve written so many sad songs about you I’ve lost count”. Well please don’t stop now, because this is complete sonic satisfaction from a young artist who is finding their strengths and developing them wonderfully.

“Push You Away” is power personified. Dreamy synth drones and reverberant vocal effects juxtapose the movie climax drums and Alexandra’s big voice. The end result is a sonically varied and interesting track that never gets old. The unexpected fake drop into the final chorus is pure ear candy, giving the song’s momentum one last push before the end. The verses shift between two chords, effectively demonstrating the narrator’s struggle between moving on from an eroded relationship, or attempting to salvage what remains. With one of the album’s best melodies, you’ll be humming this banger for days. “Cause I just wanna see you the way that I used to”. With an intricately constructed bed of instrumentation and tight harmonies, “Push You Away” ensures that we’ll be seeing a lot more of Alexandra in the coming years.

Each song on “All I See Is Me” explores different stages in the narrator’s life, including relationships, self-doubt, and the periods in between. “So Good” is an upbeat tune about a satisfying casual fling not reliant upon a greater commitment, but could also be interpreted as the narrator falling back into something easier after finding no success with more serious relationships.

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Though the track’s build could have been /developed more effectively, the overall result is still a pleasurable one. The track manages to foster a fun and energetic vibe with an electric guitar and organ holding down the rhythm and harmony, the unlikely pair harkening back to Stevie Wonder’s best. “Sometimes it feels so good to pretend to be loved”. Only listening will reveal how this emotional rollercoaster of an LP’s journey will end.

No song demonstrates Alexandra’s growth and maturity as an artist more powerfully than “Angel’s Song”, a snapshot of loss, of a life that can be lived no longer. But that does not stop us remembering, loving, and cherishing the memories we have shared with those who are now in a very different place. A clear stand-out on the record, this track builds elegantly to a transcendent expression of grief that would feel at home on any plane of existence. Alexandra’s country influences are also present here, from the authentic story and emotion to a melody that ebbs and flows like the tide. I eagerly await the Carrie Underwood collab. Every layer of the track and vocals were clearly put together with tenderness and care, and the raw acoustic sound only adds to the narrator’s vulnerability and hurt. “Couldn’t stop thinking ’bout you leaving, still know you’re not missing anything”. This song speaks for itself better than I ever could. Giving this tearjerker a miss will only detract from your day.

This rising star really knows how to end her record with a bang. Or that is to say, a banger. “Love On Track” promises to get audiences up and moving for decades to come, and the Bruno Mars-inspired funk elements are a surefire way to put you in a good mood. The verses possess a musical style reminiscent of Charlie Puth’s “Voice Notes”, and the track’s timeless edge ensures it a spot on any pop playlist worth its salt. Syncopated chord changes coupled with killer bass lines make for an endlessly enjoyable listen, and Alexandra’s sky-high vocalisations are infectiously fun to butcher with one’s own tone-deaf squeals. “I’m nervous, but I know you’ve got my back, this love’s on track”. If this love is anything like her future career, I hope to be invited to the wedding.

“All I See Is Me” embraces the darkness of a life in the music industry with a power-pop veneer to hold it all together. Alexandra’s decisiveness, passion, and drive are evident in each track’s deliberate construction and execution. Every song is radically different while still managing to fit into a cohesive project that allows us to examine the artist from every angle. Don’t miss these powerhouse pipes in action on the 21st at the Great Club. The record is available everywhere, and complete memorisation is recommended for maximum audience participation and enjoyment. It peaked at number 2 on the Australian iTunes Pop Album Charts. Join this fiery talent’s rise to the top, or be forever left in her diamond-studded dust.

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Upcoming Event

THE GREAT CLUB
Marrickville
Sunday 21st August 2022
TICKETS

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Photo – GZee Pix

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Follow ALEXANDRA YOUNES
Facebook – Website – Instagram

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Photo – GZee Pix

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AMNPLIFY – DB