 | There's nothing that screams talent and passion like “London based singer/songwriter”, it's a phrase you'll find on any website describing Shura. A pop star for the 2010's who defiantly breaks and embraces the mold of what it is to be a female singer. Shura does not have the cheerleader body of Katy Perry or the voice of Celine Dion, but much like Jewel her charm comes from her personal musings. She has a hand in writing every song off of her new album Nothing's Real. |
Most of the songs play with being on the brink of love and not quite getting there. Her attention gathering song “Touch” finds her running into a past lover and seeing the love but recognizing that something's changed. They can't be what they were.
“Touch” was released almost two years ago, but just as recently as February found itself given the video treatment with some extra verses from rapper Talib Kweli. It's jarring to find him parring off against, Shura's light breathy vocals. That's possibly the reason that version was left off the album, but it shows a record labels well defined need for a radio hit.
Buy "Touch"
The well versed “2 Shy” deals with youth and friendship and a want for something more, but the fear of anything changing. It's blissful and sweet and it's no surprise it was chosen as a single from the album.
Buy "2Shy"
 | Nothing's Real finds her not only writing, but producing on the album along with the help of Joel Pott most well known for his work with the band Athlete. Greg Kurstin also stops by for a few tracks. He's the man who helped Adele break records with “Hello”. He's worked with a host of other pop stars, but most notably Tegan and Sara in regards to Shura. The eighties synthpop Shura has achieved runs consistent with everyone's favorite lesbian duo. It's the easy to hear bright eighties synthpop influence of Heartthrob and Love You To Death. Albums that helped inspire Taylor Swift's 1989. |
It's no surprise then that you can find Shura opening for Tegan and Sara when they tour North America this year. Her music will coincide with what their fans already listen to.
The album standout is “What's It Gonna Be?” The same questions are asked. Do I tell I love you? If you say no let me down gently. The song itself never answers the questions, but that's what we have music videos for. It has a high school setting. It plays with our heteronormative values. Shura and her best friend find love. Her with the beautifully intelligent girl in Chemistry and him with the preppy boy with the good hair on the sports team.
| Shura doesn't play the sad lesbian and she doesn't envelope the melancholy that is so trademark of Troye Sivan's releases. Instead she gives us music about being young and gay and in love. Nothing's Real is truly heartwarming break from the norm. The album has not found a physical release for the CD or vinyl in the United States, but you can always order it online or purchases a digital copy. |  |
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