It's a debut that smells of vulnerability and desire for redemption, “Multitudes”. The young singer-songwriter Alisa Amador, after winning the Tiny Desk Contest organized by the non-profit organization of American independent radios (NPR), had to deal with depression and the decision to abandon her career as a musician. While the press praised her vocal qualities, comparing her to Norah Jones, Alisa Amador faced the syndrome of burnout. The solution to the problem, fortunately, was contained precisely in the desire to express oneself through music, and between naivety and a pleasant pop sensitivity, this debut was finally born.
Divided between English and Spanish, the songs of “Multitudes” try to put in order the cultural and musical roots of the artist, whose strong point remains his voice. Mother from Puerto Rico, father from New Mexico, born in Boston, Alisa juggles with sufficient sensitivity.
The first song of the album, “Extraño”, immediately sinks into multi-ethnic roots with a fine guitar touch and a pleasantly melancholic and romantic melody: exceptional guests Gaby Moreno and Madison Cunningham.
The frank confession of the fight against depression in the delicate and dark ballad “Woke Up Today”, the valuable Latin-folk of “Heartless Author” (once again with Madison Cunningham), the crystalline and poignant beauty of “Milonga Accidental” and the intense “Still Life” are the most successful episodes of the album.
The rest of the repertoire slips into the ordinary and sometimes into the superfluous (“Quedar”, “Love Hate Song”), some episodes flow without disturbing, but also without capturing attention (“Pasajeras”, “I Need To Believe”).
Ultimately, the magic that can underline the artist's talent is missing. “Multitudes” remains a good training ground in which to showcase one's vocal skills, but to emerge in the crowded world of pop music you need courage, tenacity and a bit of luck. Time will tell us whether Alisa Amador is destined for a brilliant future or to be eclipsed like yet another meteor.
09/30/2024
Daniel D`Amico for SANREMO.FM
