What makes This Side of Paradise by Hayley Kiyoko notable?

The EP features the hit single 'Girls Like Girls', which became an anthem for LGBTQ+ youth and garnered significant attention on social media. The release marked Kiyoko's entry into mainstream pop, earning her nominations for various awards that recognized her contributions to visibility in music. This Side of Paradise is Hayley Kiyoko's debut EP, released after she gained recognition from her role in the TV series 'The Fosters'. At this point in her career, Kiyoko was transitioning from acting to music, establishing herself as a prominent voice in the LGBTQ+ community.

Who is This Side of Paradise for?

This Side of Paradise works well if you're into celebratory sing-alongs with friends, quick bursts of infectious energy and uplifting anthems for self-acceptance.

How many songs are on This Side of Paradise?

This Side of Paradise has 5 tracks, running approximately 18 minutes.

This Side of Paradise

Hayley Kiyoko · 2015

18 min · 5 tracks · pop music

A vibrant blend of pop melodies and heartfelt narratives, encapsulating the nuances of young love and self-discovery.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Girls Like Girls — This track serves as a bold declaration of queer identity and attraction, resonating deeply within LGBTQ+ communities and becoming a signature song for Kiyoko.
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Cliff’s Edge — A standout for its introspective lyrics and catchy hook, this song explores themes of vulnerability and emotional risk-taking in relationships.
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This Side of Paradise — The title track encapsulates the EP's overarching theme of searching for happiness amidst uncertainty, blending infectious beats with reflective lyrics.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

46 /100

Foothills

Higher than 10% of albums we've rated

This debut EP showcases solid pop writing and production but doesn't fully stand out in its genre.

Composition 25% of the score: 6/10
Craft 20% of the score: 7/10
Durability 25% of the score: 5/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 5/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 6/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. 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

celebratory sing-alongs with friends
quick bursts of infectious energy
uplifting anthems for self-acceptance
for upbeat party vibes

Maybe skip if you

prefer longer, slower albums
seek deep introspective narratives

Where this album fits

Career context: This Side of Paradise is Hayley Kiyoko's debut EP, released after she gained recognition from her role in the TV series 'The Fosters'. At this point in her career, Kiyoko was transitioning from acting to music, establishing herself as a prominent voice in the LGBTQ+ community.
Stylistic neighbors: Tove Lo· Charli XCX· Dua Lipa