Review by Logan Peaslee

Demi Lovato’s liberation from the Disney Channel’s clutches involved going straight to rehab and then re-emerging as one of pop music’s biggest names.

Demi has released her fifth studio album, and for an album titled “Confident,” Demi’s fragility is front and center. This is not a thematic oversight; she’s clearly confident in her delicacy.

Lovato’s first single from this album, “Cool for the Summer,” is a fun, Katy Perry-esque jam that enjoyed a lot of radio success this past summer. It is a somewhat deceptive lead-in to “Confident,” however. Fitting Lovato’s previous work, the album is moodier and heavier. Even the up-tempo tracks like “Old Ways” have darkness lurking underneath.

“Confident” succeeds in showcasing Lovato’s exceptional vocal abilities. She reenlists her rock vocals, which drove her first two albums, “Don’t Forget” and “Here We Go Again,” but were virtually absent on her last two albums, “Unbroken” and “Demi.” The songs “Stone Cold” and “Father” feature emotional and incredible belting that hits you right in the feels.

Most of the album is powerhouse ballads. But unlike “Stone Cold” and “Father,” the other powerhouse ballads “For You,” “Wildfire,” “Lionheart” fails to standout. It seems as if Lovato was attempting to make an album of “Skyscraper”s and, instead, created a somewhat monotonous sequence of stronger-than-yesterday throwaways.

Perhaps the worst part of “Confident” is Lovato’s choice of features. Iggy Azalea’s irritating verse ruins “Kingdom Come”—an otherwise awesome song. Sirah’s underwhelming verse on “Waitin’ for You” instantly diminishes the tracks aggressive power. The album’s overall statement would have been stronger had she gone completely solo.

Overall, “Confident” consists mainly of rather undistinguishable power ballads. When the songs aren’t power ballads, they are upbeat pop songs that I can only describe as “missing something.” Nonetheless, the sentiment and talent on the album make “Confident” worth a listen.

Lovato’s journey from child actress to adult pop star hasn’t been without stumbles, but her willingness to own every step and misstep proves being confident and being fragile are not mutually exclusive.

3 out of 5 stars