Just the Beginning
Grace VanderWaal · 2017
41 min · 12 tracks · pop music
An introspective blend of youthful vulnerability and catchy pop melodies, guided by Grace's distinctive voice and ukulele-driven arrangements.
Top tracks — play these first
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Moonlight — This opening track introduces VanderWaal's signature sound with its dreamy lyrics and gentle ukulele strumming, setting the tone for the album's introspective themes.
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Sick of Being Told — A bold anthem about self-empowerment, this track showcases VanderWaal's lyrical maturity and ability to address societal pressures faced by youth.
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So Much More Than This — This song highlights VanderWaal's storytelling ability, capturing the complexity of teenage emotions while blending catchy melodies with poignant reflections.
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City Song — With vivid imagery of urban life, this track demonstrates VanderWaal's skill in painting scenes through her lyrics, making it relatable for many listeners.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases Grace's unique songwriting and ukulele-driven sound, though its pacing and depth vary across tracks.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a strong ukulele riff in 'Moonlight', establishing a consistent use of this instrument throughout.
- Several tracks feature layered vocal harmonies, particularly in the choruses, enhancing the emotional impact of the lyrics.
- The pacing varies significantly; tracks like 'Sick of Being Told' maintain a brisk tempo while others, such as 'Darkness Keeps Chasing Me', slow down for introspection.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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6/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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5/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- youthful vulnerability in lyrics
- catchy melodies for sing-alongs
- reflective moments of introspection
- light-hearted tunes for daytime
- short bursts of emotional depth
Maybe skip if you
- seeking heavy, complex narratives
- prefer lengthy, expansive albums
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Just the Beginning marks Grace VanderWaal's debut studio album, following her victory on America's Got Talent in 2016. At just 13 years old, she transitioned from a viral sensation to a recording artist, presenting her unique songwriting style and vocal prowess.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Birdy· Lorde· Olivia Rodrigo
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Moonlight 2:52
- 2 Sick of Being Told 3:50
- 3 Burned 3:11
- 4 Just a Crush 3:14
- 5 So Much More Than This 2:53
- 6 Escape My Mind 3:16
- 7 Talk Good 3:01
- 8 Florets 3:45
- 9 Insane Sometimes 3:30
- 10 A Better Life 4:04
- 11 City Song 3:21
- 12 Darkness Keeps Chasing Me 4:41
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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