Dark twist on dance pop

Alma-Sofia Miettinen, also known by her stage name ALMA, is a 24-year-old singer-songwriter from Finland. She entered the spotlight when she placed fifth in the Finnish version of Idol. However, her greatest breakthrough was when she featured on a track with fellow Finnish artist and rapper, Sini Sabotage. She’s been making music ever since, and one of her first singles charted in Germany and the UK. Although still new on the scene, Alma has worked with singer-songwriter Charli XCX, Swedish star Tove Lo and popstar Miley Cyrus. Her debut album just released and is titled, Have U Seen Her? 

The album opens on its namesake with a bit of an intense and exciting beat, showcasing some electronic influence. The verses lean a little more spoken than sung, however the pre-chorus and chorus are much more melodic, though heavy with autotune and vocal effects.

Unlike the previously mentioned track, “Bad News Baby” has a more “traditional,” almost dance pop beat, a hypnotic sound with pretty vocals and catchy lyrics like “I’m a bad-news baby/ You can hear me on the radio/ Bad-news baby/ You gon’ see me everywhere you go/ I’m a bad-news baby.” 

The only feature on the album is on a track called “Worst Behaviour” and includes popstar Tove Lo. The song has all the telltale signs of a Tove Lo hit—a dark yet infectious pop beat and moody lyrics to match: “I am done, I’m sick of hearing it/ I’m done, fed up, ain’t having it/ Another year wasted on endless work/ They don’t know my worth” and “I don’t really care what you think of me/ Kinda my thing, baby/ You don’t need to judge how I blow off steam/ Like you live perfectly.” 

Certain songs on the project, like “Loser” and “LA Money” have such fun, upbeat sounds, but somber and stormy undertones and lyrics. This is very reminiscent of pop songwriters like Tove Lo, Charli XCX and more recently, Billie Eilish, who tend to have deep and dark twists on their lively jams. 

While the album’s opener seems a tad experimental, the rest of the album is filled with incredibly catchy choruses, memorable melodies and lyrics people won’t be able to get out of your head for days. Have U Seen Her? is a must-listen for pop music fans, especially those who love their pop with a lot of raw realness and hint of melancholia.