Sia-"We Are Born" Review

Many fans of the electronica chanteuse were shocked when Sia shifted into indie-pop with "Some People Have Real Problems", her fabulous 2008 album that introduced her to a mainstream audience. It not only changed her game, but it also provided a much needed taste of subtlety in the land of Lil Wayne and Flo Rida. But the shock value that came with that album isn't nearly enough for the dramatic change Sia took for her fourth album, "We Are Born". It's still within the indie realm, and it brings her back to her electronic roots, but now she's turned her earliest work inside out and has created a hearty dance album. It's quite clear from the lead-off track "The Fight", when it rushes in with drum machines and hyper piano, that she's placed all her chips into this crossover move. Needless to say, she pulls it all off. Her songwriting is still as sharp as ever, while main producer Greg Kurstin helps ease the transition from coffee-shop soul singer to indie-dance club diva. Also thrown into the mix is some lite-funk ("The Fight", neo-disco ("You've Changed"), alt-rock ("I'm In Here"), new-wave pop ("Never Gonna Leave Me"), and even some R&B reminiscent of Sia's last record ("Be Good to Me"). It seems that Sia can finally do it all --not like there was ever any doubt, however-- and by the last track, a stripped down version of "I'm in Here", her raw craftsmanship is exposed to the hilt, only adding to the overall effect of "We Are Born" as a whole. It's a strongly impressive testament to Sia's skills as both a singer and songwriter, one that's not as consistently gripping as "Some People Have Real Problems", but is still as enjoyable. It reaches for every possible demographic, and pleases every need from fans in each genre. Truly a remarkable feat from an artist that's at once attracted to the masses, yet hasn't mustered the courage to make mass music until now. Hopefully it won't take another thirteen years to follow this record up.

Recommended Tracks in Bold:

1. The Fight              2. Clap Your Hands           3. Stop Trying

4. You’ve Changed 5. Be Good to Me                    6. Bring Night

7. Hurting Me Now    8. Never Gonna Leave Me9. Cloud

10. I’m In Here          11. The Co-Dependent          12. Big Girl Little Girl

13. Oh Father             14. I’m In Here (Piano Version)