Ashley Delima releases “Evolution”
Ashley Delima releases “Evolution”
I-TUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/evolution-single/1373237452
Nineteen-year-old Ashley Delima delivers a knockout track in her new release “Evolution.” This power pop song has all the makings of making itself a bright, radio-friendly home. The song is a slow-burner…the chorus revs you up like any classic pop hit. Delima’s standout vocals serves the song well – and it’s a keeper.
Delima originally hails from New Jersey. According to her bio, she moved with her family to Brazil at age seven, returning to the United States at age 17. She’s back in New Jersey and “Evolution” boasts a fabricated music bed – its pings and electronic prodding is very modern. It might not drop the beat like an Armin van Buuren selection, but it still holds its own. The beat is not trippy, but a bit like a cold compress. It soothes its way through your heart. It stays in your head for days.
Her voice falls somewhere along the lines of Stevie Nicks, meets Maren Morris flushed up against Janis Joplin. There’s an old soul sound to her, but still very flighty, very pop. It’s not weathered or smoky. As much as this song is electronically processed (backing sounds), I didn’t get the feeling that her vocals were touched. She has this immediate reach. Her range is also very strong – so much so that as the song winds down, you’re hoping for just one more stanza or measure.
Delima stands out amongst newer singers and has a remarkability factor.
“Evolution” is in stark contrast to Delima’s debut track, “Stay In America.” She gets political in the latter, setting the stage for her emotional and lyrical support of Dreamers. The song tackles the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival (DACA) immigration policy. It’s lyrical content is strong and jumps right into the fray. She co-wrote the song with celebrated songwriter and two-time Grammy-winning composer Marc Swersky and songwriter Brielle Brown.
YOU TUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPzQbgxDav4
“Evolution” doesn’t match up to “Stay In America” in terms of depth and meaning, but Delima does a fine job of giving listeners a chance to relate to her empowerment. Perhaps its Swersky or Brown’s stamp on the previous track, but “Evolution” seems to walk closer to straight pop, with repetitive song structure and chorus arrangement. It’s all-good – the result is again a great pop song.
My overall assessment of Ashley Delima is that she’s on her way to a solid career. She’s proven that she’s picking songs that both fit her voice and her compass. I’m anxious to hear her next songs – if she will incorporate more of her Brazilian influences and flavors. She might be the next Shakira? Who knows? All I can say is that I thoroughly enjoyed “Evolution” and that Delima’s mark on pop music is just starting. I caution, though, that seeing her live might be a different experience. “Evolution” is a great song – but it’s polished and perfected. What will it sound like live on stage in front of thousands? Here’s to hoping her strong, confident voice gets the same reaction.
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/track/1Z20WA6eat46A02XLAUmQv?si=929_MJ91TwqOs9LAjcsvwQ
Photo by Tallita Dorneles
Mindy McCall