Album Review: Alchemical Vol. 1

On Dec. 1, 2023, the first volume of Dove Cameron’s debut album “Alchemical” was released. Volume one consisted of eight pop songs that either felt magical or fell flat to me. 

My favorite songs on the album are “Sand”, “Lethal Woman” and “Still”.  

The song “Sand” is about a failed relationship where one person is more vulnerable and loving than the other.  

“I saw the end when we began/You couldn’t love the way I can.”  

“But you have more pieces of me than the desert has sand/And I have less pieces of you than I can hold in my hand.”  

Lines such as these express the turmoil of a relationship where one person cares more than the other. “Sands” sounds as if it belongs in the soundtrack of a fantasy movie as it transports me to another realm of kingdoms and magic. This song also reminds me of music from the singer Ruelle who’s songs were in a few fantasy and supernatural shows.

Despite being one of my favorite songs, “Lethal Woman” had to grow on me after a few listens because of the Asian pop mixed with slight EDM sounds.  The tone of this song is edgy making me visualize a video edit of a woman in a high fantasy series in battle just murdering people, being badass and powerful. 

Cameron’s “Still” constants piano and violin notes that transcend me to a back-and-forth argument between people in a mythical world.  

“White Glove” is a pretty upbeat song that could energize someone before a night out. Though it does seem like a meaningless pop song that pumps you up, I can enjoy it. I feel like I see someone choreographing a dance to this song for a dance class.   

“Breakfast” is my least favorite song that falls flat to me. I understand that Cameron was trying to create an empowering song, but it just doesn’t do anything to me and sounds basic.   

Her lyrics throughout the album are literal which left me wanting for metaphorical meanings to decipher.

As a fan of pop music and Cameron, I would rate the album a six out of ten with some songs hitting and others turning up flat. As Cameron recently went through rebranding and is new to being a solo artist, she’s still finding her voice. I’m looking forward to her growth as a solo artist.