Released 10 years ago
Perfectly Imperfect
Grace VanderWaal · 2016
18 min · 6 tracks · pop music
A blend of youthful introspection and catchy melodies wrapped in a vibrant pop sound.
Top tracks — play these first
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I Don’t Know My Name — This opening track highlights VanderWaal's signature blend of vulnerability and charm, establishing her artistic identity with reflective lyrics about self-discovery.
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Clay — In 'Clay', VanderWaal explores themes of resilience and personal growth through metaphorical imagery that resonates deeply with listeners navigating their own journeys.
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Light the Sky — 'Light the Sky' features an anthemic chorus that captures the spirit of hope and ambition, showcasing VanderWaal's ability to craft uplifting pop songs with emotional depth.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases youthful songwriting with catchy melodies but lacks depth for long-term engagement.
What we noticed
- The first track features a simple ukulele accompaniment that sets a laid-back tone, while the subsequent tracks introduce more layered instrumentation.
- VanderWaal's vocal delivery often alternates between soft, introspective verses and more powerful, soaring choruses, creating dynamic contrasts throughout the EP.
- Several tracks incorporate repetitive melodic hooks that enhance their catchiness, particularly in 'I Don’t Know My Name' and 'Light the Sky'.
- Composition 25% of the score
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6/10
- 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 introspection and vulnerability
- catchy melodies for sing-alongs
- short bursts of heartfelt emotion
- coffeehouse vibe for casual listening
Maybe skip if you
- seeking lengthy, immersive experiences
- prefer intense, high-energy tracks
Where this album fits
- Career context
- Released on December 2, 2016, Perfectly Imperfect is Grace VanderWaal's debut EP following her breakout win on America's Got Talent earlier that year. The album showcases her unique voice and songwriting talent, establishing her as a fresh face in the pop music landscape.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Birdy· Lorde· Olivia Rodrigo
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I Don’t Know My Name 2:28
- 2 Clay 3:36
- 3 Light the Sky 3:49
- 4 Beautiful Thing 3:44
- 5 Gossip Girl 3:23
- 6 Missing You (coffeehouse version) 1:54
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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