NIKI - Nicole

Release Date:  August 12, 2022

I was looking at Taylor Swift's past opening tour acts and found a name I never heard of, who only did one show in Asia 2014. Her name, Nicole Zefanya, who rebranded herself as just NIKI in 2017. I've should have pay more attention to 88rising because she was the first female signed to their label. And you know that song from Shang-Chi?  yep, that was her.

Review:  Other than that song and "lowkey," i went into this album fairly blind. From a bit of research, Niki was inspired by Taylor's "From the Vault" tracks by going back into her past catalog. On Youtube, you can find re-post of the original bedroom recordings that you'll find on this album. Just that concept alone makes me how cool it is that this album is essentially a magical time capsule.

The album opens with, "Before," and it's a slow burner, packed with a season's worth of storytelling. I love the line "was i just a two-year practice round?" and the vocals soar in the background. Lots of artist say they are influence by Taylor, but this song really really gives off Taylor Swift vibes. It's introspective and there's specific details here that feel like dairy entries, yet, i feel like i'm being transported into her world. I can't say I've been there, done that, but these lyrics, yeah, I feel you Niki. And it does feel weird to stop loving someone and for it to feel like it was before you've met.

On the 2nd song, she really went all out on "High School in Jakarta." In concert, she'll explain to the audience that she just wanted to write a song where she namedrops her best friends. I knew this song would be good when she says, "it's 2013 and the end of my life." It's an upbeat song, but the lyrics can feel chaotic and all over the place, but i guess that's the essence of high school, so many moving parts you cannot control.

"Backburner" is slow and methodical. I think the line everyone will point out is the goo goo dolls line because i think we all share music with the ones we love. but once the relationship ends, that shared bond with that special band also dies. It's hilariously sad.

"Keeping Tabs" is probably the most fun song on the album. It's fast and upbeat. At concerts, it's what she opens up with. "The Apartment We Won't Share" is very indie folk. I like the melody, but it's also pretty standard. I like the atmosphere of "Facebook Friends." "Anaheim" has nice acoustic finger plucking.

"Milk Teeth" is probably my least favorite song. I think there's something suppose to be clever about someone not losing their baby teeth yet, but i didn't connect with it. "Autumn" is louder than the past few tracks. Feels chilly and darker and the bridge has a nice soar to it.

"Oceans & Engines" seems to be the album's climax, and the part where she sings "i'm letting go..." feels like you wave your arms in the arm back and forth. It should feel emotional, but it's also very long that to be honest, i think it's a boring song.

I feel like "On the Drive Home" suffers because there are too many songs like it. Then the album ends with "Take A Chance With Me" that sounds a bit top 40s colbie caillat.

Summary:  The first half of this album is really strong, top notch songwriting, with lyrics that teleport you to your teenage self. A lot of people say they are influence by Taylor Swift, but I felt the essence of Taylor were right there in the first half. Teenage angst tend to blame other people for their problems, so I like hearing Niki just soak her misery in and just misses the way things used to be. I wish the 2nd half wasn't so boring. The melodies are there, but it becomes a bit samey.

Favorite Songs: Before, High School in Jakarta, Backburner
Rating: 8/10