Grace VanderWaal, Just the Beginning

by Kaya Savas

13-year-old Grace VanderWaal is clearly a vision filled teen. It all began with her America’s Got Talent win, a little over a year ago.  Her debut release set to hit the streets on November 3rd, on Columbia is a long-awaited debut full-length album entitled Just the Beginning.

In 2016 we got a taste of what is to come on her EP, Perfectly Imperfect. the record features songs that VanderWaal wrote herself with the help of multiple award-winning producers and writers.  The five songs on the EP, include all four of VanderWaal’s original songs from AGT and another original, “Gossip Girl”, all produced by Greg Wells.

The gifted singer-songwriter previously released two singles from her forthcoming record, the infectious “Moonlight” and the rhythmic “Sick of Being Told,” and has shared another new one ahead of album’s release, “So Much More Than This.”

“Moonlight,” begins the kick-off with a polished pop sound, VanderWaal has a mature instrument in her voice, one that is buoyant and nimble, easily maneuvering the melody with an uplifting beat and sunny aptitude.

“Escape My Mind,” has much more of a power-pop sound, very produced and slick.  VanderWaal at times displays and fragile and introspective sound, and then offers up a wide open fully poised voice and full-throttle sound.

“City Strong,” also features a high value production approach with moments switching to a more stripped-down sound where VanderWaal’s signature Ukulele is front and center.  It is refreshing to see this acoustic music still a strong part of VanderWaal’s sound, keeping her roots clearly focused in her heartfelt original sound.  From an audiophiles’ standpoint, this record features high value sonics.  Well worth the price of admission.

Written by