Review: Betty Who - Take Me When You Go
By Megan Fair, Copy Chief
[RCA, 2014]
Rating: 5/10
Key Tracks: “All of You,” “California Rain”
Sporting a name that surely leads to terribly annoying jokes, Betty Who is a pop artist with impeccable clothing and a great voice. Her debut full-length Take Me When You Go is a 13-track journey through heartbreak and romance. The edgiest and most mature moments are far more interesting than those clearly shaped by very teenage experiences.
Who has released two EPs leading up to Take Me When You Go. “Somebody Loves You,” “Heartbreak Dream,” “High Society” and “Alone Again” are pieces from these EPs on the record, giving it a subtle edge of familiarity. This is only accented by the general feeling that Who’s vibe is a blend of other artists’ style. Although it’s clear who is inspiring her, it doesn’t take away from the fact that the music is consistent, catchy and excellent for car rides in a convertible--with the top down, obviously.
Betty Who has an amazing voice. Seemingly untouched by obvious auto-tuning, her vocal work shows great range and smoky touches makes the polished pop feel warmer and intimate. The most bothersome vocal moments happen when auto-tune and glaring effects are used. The fleeting moments when Who’s Australian accent peeks through feel charming, as they add a touch of uniqueness to the usual cookie-cutter Katy Perry styling of pop vocals.
“Glory Days” screams teenage hormones. Who belts, “These are the glory days / This is the golden age / We’re making out in the basement / I could fall in love tonight.” It’s undeniable this is reaching out to a market bound to to eat up infectious singalong tracks. Although the goal is accomplished, that unfortunately doesn’t give it an edge--this song and its message have been recycled for what seems like forever.
On the other hand, “All of You” is a fun and bouncy track that feels youthful and lusty, expressing the ups and downs of a hot and heavy relationship. While clichés certainly exist lyrically, the plot feels more complex and the Yelle-style synths and fast pace kept me coming back to it.
“Missing You” is a tender and affectionate love song emulating the stylistic energy of HAIM and Robyn. There’s nothing terribly fancy going on here, just crisp production and the delightful vocals of Who; the track allows the sweet image of a couple falling asleep together in bed to tiptoe into the listener’s mind. It feels very adult and incredibly sweet, which is why it shines over adolescent songs such as “A Night to Remember.”
Standing out as the record’s most unique track, closer “California Rain” is a somber and atmospheric ballad that expresses Who’s strength in expressing heartache. “I love it when you’re feeling lonely / That’s when we feel the same,” coos Who, a sadness rolling across her voice and the production. This song feels most human and raw much unlike the party tracks, and that’s why it shines above them.
Take Me When You Go feels long and Who could have done well to trim some tracks, like the repeat “Alone Again” with its irritating guitar solo. If there had been a few less songs, it would also feel less obvious that the album retreads the same ground so often. Nothing is bad, per se, but the monotony grates the nerves a bit; ‘80s synth and lyrics about kissing on the couch can only be fun for so long. Betty Who has the natural talent to be truly successful once she finds her own niche.
