A pinch of Lady Gaga. A dash of Christina Aguilera. A big helping of an even bigger voice. And, last but not least, a whole hell of a lot of style, spunk, and personality. And that, my friends, are the components of the pop princess Ivy Levan.
Thanks to Amazon, I recently stumbled across the album “No Good” by Levan, and I certainly owe Amazon one because I freaking loved it. At first this album surprised me with its idiosyncratic, effervescent, pop melodies that immediately replaced the stores of information in my brain with only her catchy song lyrics.
On top of this, I was even more surprised by some of the beautiful power ballads and softer songs on that album that go to show you just how versatile and talented Levan truly is.
I’ll start with the first half of the album, which was packed with contagiously, catchy, unique, distinct songs
that I immediately knew I loved. Songs like “The Dame Says,” “Biscuit,” “No Good,” and “Champagne Taste” are all great pop songs that make you want to party on a bud light budget.
I am not sure what impresses me more about Levan. I mean, I certainly wasn’t expecting that voice from her or that I was going to love the album as much as I do. I love her style, her persona, and her gorgeous imagery in the videos. Sign me up for whatever comes after this album because I certainly need more from Levan!
On top of her infectious songs, she has a flamboyantly endearing artistic style to her that I love. Gorgeous, avante-garde, and a booming voice, Levan has created quite an impressive debut album. I will say the duets on the album are not my favorite, but it seems my only complaints on those songs are the singers she collaborates with. It is not that “Like a Glove” and “Killing You” are bad songs. I just think I love Levan’s style, voice, and persona so much that I feel like the introduction of featured artists on her tracks takes away from Levan. And I am incredibly selfish and want Levan all to myself on this album!
Despite this, I absolutely love the second half of this album. We move away from the constant party that Levan crafts in this first half of the album and delve into something deeper.
“27 Club” is one of my favorite songs from her album. Taking a macabre topic (the infamous deaths of many celebrities at the age of 27), Levan turns it into this gorgeous song that so seamlessly blends a dark subject with an entrancing, alluring melody that infects you.
Everybody’s gonna know me when I die,
So I don’t give a damn if I survive.
I’d rather burn out than spend my life waiting.
Ah, on to the finale of the album so soon? Oh, time just flies! Color me impressed because I am absolutely obsessed with the two final songs to her album. “Johnny Boy” and “It Ain’t Easy” are everything that I need in the finale of an album.
Slow, melodic, gorgeous, and emotional, these last two songs put the seal of approval on this album. “Johnny Boy” is a stunning song from her album that she so simply weaves with heavy lyrics that feel light as air.
Now, “It Ain’t Easy” is the perfect closer for quite a few reasons. I
mean, hello, it’s spectacular! On top of that, it is a slow, 
enchanting build. She picks us up with each verse and, before we know it, she is soaring with her seductive arc and finale of a verse to close the album. You were wrong, Ivy. It is easy loving you!
When I ordered this album, I was expecting some silly pop songs I could bob my head to. I did get some fun, funky songs that made me want to dance, but they were paired with a killer, emotionally charged second half of the album that left me shocked. No, I was not expecting such captivating slow songs from Levan, but I am damn glad that I found this fierce femme fatale.
Brian is an English and Professional Writing major at East Stroudsburg University. In his spare time, he likes to buy 5 books for every 1 book he has time to read. His favorite novels include And Then There Were None, Savages, Better, The Martian Chronicles, and The Kings of Cool. Brian hopes to pursue a job in editing upon graduation.