Just a year after her run as a finalist on American Idol, Haley Reinhart debuts her first new studio album Listen up! Haley Reinhart went from an underrated underdog to a fan favorite during her run on American Idol, performing stellar covers while adding her own twist to versions such as ‘House of the Rising Sun,’ Elton John’s ‘Benny and the Jets’ and Gaga’s ‘You and I’ before it was even released. Known for her Adele-like vocals, Reinhart uses them to her advantage in the new album. Listen Up! features a vibrant unique collection of songs that are filled with loud horns and jazzy ’60s sounding grooves. It compliments Reinhart’s incredible voice, which can flip from containing crystal clear vocals to rough and throaty ones gradually.

Listen Up! hits you right in the face with its opening track ‘Oh My!’ featuring B.O.B, who bonds with Reinhart perfectly even though they both have distinctly different musical styles. Other tracks include ‘Wasted Tears’ and ‘Hit the Ground Running,’ showing off Reinhart’s feisty delivery within her vocals, while the sorrowful ballad ‘Undone’ really connects with listeners. On her other track ‘Free,’ she reveals more of a vulnerable side of Reinhart’s past. When it comes to the lyrics of her songs, Reinhart actually co-wrote every song on the album except for the track ‘Free,’ which really exposes her songwriting skills and her advantages musically.

It’s safe to say her new CD is full of countless lyrical and melodic songs that will be ringing in your head throughout the day. Her voice is very unique, unlike anyone on iTunes today. If you are looking for a fun, breezy, sultry playlist for this summer, Reinhart’s new album is sure to fill the void for you. She brings out fun and relaxing beats and a wide range of tracks on her album to keep you entertained. The sounds off of this album are unlike anything on the radio today, so Listen Up!