Well known pop singer Demi Lovato takes a dive into new territory with the release of her sixth studio album, “Tell Me You Love Me.”

After five studio albums and a successful transition from her stardom on Disney channel to her own brand, she is ready to continue her music journey. Lovato in the past has talked about her love of soul music, which she experimented with on her previous LP, “Confident,” and continues with that vibe in “Tell Me You Love Me.”

Lovato is often recognized for her powerful voice and confident attitude. In the past, Lovato has written about topics such as mental health, eating disorders and relationships within her music, but on “Tell Me You Love Me,” Lovato writes about all aspects and stages of love.

The album starts off with its lead single, Lovato’s sassy summer hit, “Sorry Not Sorry” which lyrically and musically demonstrates Lovato’s powerful voice and fearless attitude. “Games,” similarly to “Sorry Not Sorry,” includes a powerful vibe, while keeping those up-tempo techno beats, and gives this album another song that could top charts.

Moving away from her typically pop sound, Lovato Shines on “Sexy Dirty Love” which keeps the upbeat style of previous music, but adds an element of funk we haven’t seen. “Daddy Issues” is also a transitional song, which shows a more vulnerable side lyrically, but draws influences from the ‘80s and has high radio potential.

“Cry Baby” is a shockingly beautiful piece that exhibits country influences, with a notable tambourine sound, and an uncommon, but effective, chord progression that we just don’t see at all in the top charts. “Cry Baby” specifically shows a rare vulnerable side of Lovato where she is belting about a lover making even her cry. Lovato continues to explore this country-pop vibe with “Concentrate” and “Hitchhiker” with sweet and affectionate lyrics that make you want to grab a loved one.

Two songs that pale in comparison to the album’s highs include “Ruin the Friendship,” and “Only Forever.”

Lovato really takes a step into soul-pop with “Lonely,” “You Don’t Do It For Me Anymore” and the album’s title “Tell Me You Love Me.” “Lonely” is the perfect example of the mixing of genres with vocals and lyrics that beautifully demonstrate her soulful ability, but entrancingly put over a slow modern trap beat. Lil Wayne does make an appearance on this, her only feature.
The most purely soulful song on this album being “You Don’t Do It For Me Anymore” uses a consistent simple beat throughout the song, with extremely powerful and difficult vocals, including deep lyrics of her not loving her lover anymore.

Finally “Tell Me You Love Me” demonstrates the direction Lovato seems to be heading with her music perfectly, with her dynamic vocals and pop influences, but now with added soul, funk, and a new sound to head to.

“Tell Me You Love Me:” 4/5