Dillon

Wow, there are break-up albums and then there’s this. Singer-songwriter ballad pop isn’t my everyday listen. So stylistically this is an odd one for me, but Donna’s voice is and I mean this in a good way, a weapon. Thematically this album is so strong and evocative, seriously give this a listen and tell me you can’t imagine this relationship’s sky-highs and valley-lows.

Sean

Ah the glitz and glam of an americana pop songstress. I see a lot of what makes this a successful album. The lyrics are insightful, and their voice is incredible. Everything works together really well. That being said, nothing here is bringing anything new to the table. I don’t view this as a negative. The artist is firm in who they do it well. Not really my favorite thing to listen to on my own, but I would love to hear this live at a show (whenever we can do that again).

Mary

100% what Sean said. Its great! But it’s lacking something to make me feel hooked. That being said, I would see her live any day of the week. Dat album cover. She looks bomb.

Alex

Big open pop ballads with hooks to match. Every song on Lighter sounds like it could be a single, yet the break up themes and instrumentation tie things together nicely. Donna Missal wears her heart on her sleeve, weaving huge choruses over clean acoustic guitars and big synth lines. If you’re into more traditional mainstream pop then this record will likely check all your boxes— which in a way is also its downfall. I feel like it’s missing anything truly unique and I don’t see myself revisiting it. That said, the instrumental outro on the closing track was sick. 

Andre

I’m thinking quarantine is bringing out one of two sides of a person, the depressed or the manic. This is definitely the former. I’m all for sad music, but this just wasn’t for me and that’s okay! Just not a big fan of the semi-pop/indie acoustic flavor of music. I think if you’re a fan of floppy felt hats you might be a fan of this.