‘Expectations’ isn’t flawless, but it’s a compelling re-introduction to an underrated artist – one capable of putting her own stamp on current pop sounds.
While the record could have been a few songs shorter, Expectations is expansive in that it isn’t one big radio hit after another, which proves Rexha is opting for longevity instead of manufactured pop.
While the album could benefit from some tightening -- the middle stretch stalls the momentum -- Expectations affirms Rexha's songwriting prowess, ear for catchy hooks, and ability to pull emotion from otherwise serviceable radio pop.
Throughout Expectations she goes on many aimless wanderings, and sticks safely to little bits of many well-worn styles and over familiar ideas. It would appear the major MO of this album is throw enough shit at the wall, and something will stick.
Pop stars are meant to be bold, charismatic and memorable, but Expectations is incredibly unsure of itself. If Bebe Rexha once appeared to have the makings of a superstar, the reality is that she falls short.
Expectations mostly moves at a slow pace, with plenty of moody guitar.
The songwriting – about bad girls and good boys in miserable, moneyed relationships – is precisely as deep as you’d expect. Poptimism finds its hard ceiling.
This gives the fucking headaches. The lyrics are mediocre, the beats are so similar that they disgust, few songs stand out (and the quality is not for sure), a commercial pop made to stay in our heads, but in this case not even that can do.
* Ferrari (7/10)
* I'm A Mess (8/10)
* 2 Souls On Fire (4.5/10)
* Shinning Star (6/10)
* Kness (7.5/10)
* I Got You (7/10)
* Self Control (8.5/10)
* Sad (6/10)
* Mine (5.5/10)
* Steady (6.5/10)
* Don't Get Any Closer (6/10)
* Grace (8.5/10)
* Pillow (7.5/10)
* Meant To Be (8/10)
Nota Final: 69/100
Expectations is an album that sadly doesn’t live up to its title or any sense of anticipation that may have been surrounding it. The record is a collection of generic pop songs that feel uninspired and unremarkable. Bebe Rexha has a decent voice, but the material here doesn’t allow her to shine as much as it could. The production feels formulaic, with little risk or innovation to make the tracks stand out in today’s saturated pop landscape.
Most of the songs are safe, ... read more
WHOLE LOTTA MID
Taking a step backwards in her discography from her self-titled release, “Expectations” is a calculated misstep in terms of cohesion and quality, or really just memorable pop hooks that end up sounding so generic, especially for 2018. This album was primarily made to ground her spot in pop music, making a name and brand for herself, but all of that ended up falling short, especially since she’s had a few hits before this album (Meant To Be, In the Name of ... read more
After spending the majority of the decade penning (and singing on) some of pop’s biggest hits along with the release of a few EPs, “Expectations” is a more than fitting title for Bebe Rexha’s debut studio album. Unfortunately, the album itself doesn’t totally meet its title. There’s a lot of promise on this album and while it can definitely be a strength to display a multitude of genres and versatility as an artist, the inconsistency is what keeps this album ... read more
| 1 | Ferrari 3:32 | 70 |
| 2 | I'm a Mess 3:15 | 79 |
| 3 | 2 Souls on Fire 2:50 feat. Quavo | 54 |
| 4 | Shining Star 3:06 | 62 |
| 5 | Knees 3:26 | 71 |
| 6 | I Got You 3:11 | 74 |
| 7 | Self Control 2:54 | 69 |
| 8 | Sad 3:05 | 63 |
| 9 | Mine 2:51 | 53 |
| 10 | Steady 3:14 feat. Tory Lanez | 58 |
| 11 | Don't Get Any Closer 2:48 | 68 |
| 12 | Grace 3:16 | 65 |
| 13 | Pillow 3:36 | 63 |
| 14 | Meant to Be 2:44 with Florida Georgia Line | 49 |