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“Exposed” is the debut studio album by Kristinia DeBarge and is to be release in the US on July 28th 2009. The album features production and writing from the likes of Babyface and OneRepublic frontman, Ryan Tedder. Don’t worry, there won’t be another Halo/Already Gone sound alike track. (I would address this issue in another post, most people are fussing that they sound the same. Indeed they are, but so what.)

The album also includes two songs which Kristinia co-wrote with Babyface, “Cried Me a River” and “It’s Gotta Be Love“.

First Impressions
As an album expressed by a 19 year old, it doesn’t come across with any pretense, unlike some similiar singers around her age . The album is definitely relatable to teens around her age group. The songs performed in this album is mostly Pop-R&B, though listenable, it’s rather forgettable with exception of her singles.

Standout Tracks

• Future Love
  Was to be a double A-Side 2nd single with “Sabotage“, but only the latter is going to be release and have a music video. This song definitely has hooks in it’s chorus. It reminds me of Jordin’s “One Step At A Time” at the chorus too. Ryan Tedder co-wrote and produced this track and this song is previously recorded and unsuccesfully released in 2008 by American boyband Varsity Fanclub.
• Speak Up
  Also co-written and produced by Ryan too, definitely has the structural beats that Ryan is famous for. Though it’s unlike Halo and Already Gone. =)
• Goodbye
  First single. A respectable Top 20 hit. (It peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Hot 100) Singing Na Na Na hasn’t been this addictive since Kylie’s “Can’t Get You Outta My Head“. A girl power anthem.
• Sabotage
  Second single. A song which Rihanna would sing, given a few tweaks. I did a single review for this song awhile back. Sounds current enough to be in the Top 40 charts. It’s all good. =)
• Powerless
  Hmm, this song is quite ciara-like. Which is strangely interesting. Minus Ciara’s raspy voice of course.
• Disconnect
  The album’s closer, which is a ballad. A decent one in fact. I hope this song would be the third single. Has the potential to be a hit. Grows on you if you listen it in repeat mode.

Final Verdict
This album is enjoyable throughout, but it lacks personality, making it forgettable. Cause nothing in this album makes me think “This song is to die for”. But it’s slightly better than Esmee Denters’ album as it’s rather consistent.

By opening for Britney on her tour this fall, this would definitely get her in the spotlight and be noticed. Overall, a decent effort but with room for improvement.

This album scores 3 out of 5.