Shoshana Ami’s second full-length album Baby is an audacious and deeply personal exploration of love, loss, and self-discovery. In this raw and vulnerable body of work, Ami’s unique voice and musical versatility shine through, fusing alternative pop with elements of rock, jazz, R&B, and classical influences. Written and recorded during the tumultuous COVID pandemic, Baby reflects a time of profound change in the artist’s life, making it a compelling, reflective collection that invites listeners into the intimate corners of her world.
The album opens with the upbeat and playful “I Like It,” where Ami’s infectious energy is immediately evident. The song, which captures the thrill of infatuation, finds her delighting in the excitement of new love. With its catchy chorus (“Lalalalala I like it”), the track sets the tone for the album’s exploration of intense, often complicated emotions. There’s a sense of freedom in Ami’s delivery, as she boldly expresses her desire and vulnerability. It’s a perfect introduction to her sonic landscape, one that mixes quirky sound choices with a confident pop sensibility.
In stark contrast, “Wanna Have Your Baby” dives into the darker, more obsessive side of love. The track’s haunting melody and yearning lyrics (“wanna have your baby, but I don’t have you”) reveal a sense of desperation, with Ami grappling with feelings of unrequited love and longing. The song’s rawness is palpable, capturing the inner conflict of wanting someone who is emotionally unavailable. The chemistry between the lyrics and the music creates a captivating tension that carries through the entire album.
Ami takes a more introspective approach on “Without You,” where she reflects on the emptiness and despair of living without the person she loves. The song’s melancholy tone is complemented by poignant lyrics like “I don’t want to spend a moment without you,” and the track builds a sense of isolation and longing. The vulnerability in her voice is striking as she explores the complexities of attachment and loss.
Then comes “It Feels So Good to Love You,” a bittersweet anthem that embodies the paradox of toxic love. Ami’s voice soars over the intense contrast of frustration and passion, with lyrics that detail the emotional rollercoaster of a relationship that’s both infuriating and irresistible. The song perfectly captures the push-and-pull dynamic, where love and pain coexist, leaving the listener caught in the intensity of the experience.
What makes Baby particularly stand out is how Shoshana Ami balances her eclectic musical influences with deeply personal narratives. Her ability to seamlessly blend different genres—from the jazzy undercurrents of “You’re the One” to the experimental textures in “I’m Not Cool Anymore”—showcases her growth as both an artist and a storyteller. While there are moments of playfulness, like in the cheeky “Want You Bad,” where she exposes the game-playing side of romance, the album ultimately speaks to the emotional complexities of adulthood, motherhood, and love.
Ami’s lyricism is both confessional and poetic, weaving through themes of self-doubt, empowerment, and the need for connection. The album is a journey, one that moves from self-discovery to self-assurance, capturing the essence of life’s emotional highs and lows. In songs like “Never Say Never,” she offers a glimpse of compassion and healing, proving that her music not only reflects her personal evolution but also resonates with others who are navigating similar experiences.
Produced by Tony Conniff and crafted from a place of both solitude and creative liberation, Baby is an album that feels unfiltered and real. There’s a sense of liberation in the way Ami embraces every facet of her journey, from heartache to joy, with every note. The use of unconventional sounds, including field recordings of the wind, adds a sense of intimacy and grounding to the album. The closing tracks leave listeners with a feeling of catharsis and a sense of closure, reflecting the emotional depth of Ami’s creative process.
In Baby, Shoshana Ami offers a unique and refreshing voice in the alternative-pop genre, delivering an album that is not only musically diverse but emotionally profound. It’s an album that takes listeners on an unflinching journey through the complexities of human emotion, with all its contradictions and beauty. Shoshana Ami is an artist to watch, and BABY is proof that her musical evolution is only just beginning.
Take a listen to Baby below and let us know what you think of each song by either leaving a reaction at the bottom of the post or by sliding into our DMs on Instagram at @celebsecrets.
You can connect with Shoshana by giving her a follow on Instagram at @shoshanaamimusic.
