Sia

We Are Born

(Jive)

Record Review by Kevan Peterson

Sia's fifth studio album finds her favoring the smooth and glossy over the rough and off-kilter.  Sounding more radio friendly than some of her previous work, and consequently carrying slightly less charm, We Are Born, is a technically competent album that lacks some of the heart of its predecessors.  That’s not to say there aren’t shining moments, but this is less of a rebirth and more of a repackaging of a promising artist.

Best known for her work with Zero 7, Sia has devoted a strong following to her mix of danceable tracks and rock worthy tunes.  First single “Clap Your Hands” is surprisingly not the catchiest track on the album, but has an easy-to-sing chorus, which will allow people to jump and bob, while trying to recall what comes after “clap your hands,” in the mumbled aftermath of Sia’s vocals. 

Follow up single “You’ve Changed” has become Sia’s biggest hit to date, fusing dance with, wait for it, more dance.  If every time a man changed on a woman, she had this kind of a party, it may be a better world.  But as it is now, we’ll just have to settle for this catchy set of tunes to get us through the rough times.