BY: JESSE ZAPATERO

Normani's debut album, Dopamine, is a highly anticipated release that marks both her return to the music scene and a reintroduction of her artistic vision. Emerging from her days with Fifth Harmony and building on the success of singles like "Motivation" and "Wild Side," Normani crafts an album that is polished, smooth, and sophisticated, though it sometimes plays it safe.

The path to Dopamine was not easy for Normani. Her journey was marked by personal hardships, including her parents' simultaneous battles with cancer and changes in her management due to creative differences. These experiences have undeniably influenced the album, infusing it with a sense of authenticity and emotional depth. The record reflects her Southern roots and showcases her plush, distinctive voice.

Musically, Dopamine leans into the suave R&B sounds of Normani’s childhood rather than the pop style of her earlier hit "Motivation." Tracks like "Lights On" evoke the sultry, danceable vibes of early 2000s Janet Jackson, while "Insomnia," co-written by Brandy, would fit seamlessly into Brandy's 2002 album Full Moon. The songwriting is clever and engaging, featuring lines like “Don’t even address me unless you gon’ undress me,” but the album primarily exudes a sense of comfortable familiarity and homage to the past. Normani's smooth vocals, while unique, occasionally create a hypnotic effect that can feel overly repetitive.

Normani is at her most captivating when she embraces the brash, animated elements of her Southern heritage. The album opener "Big Boy" is a lively track with a funky bassline and brass accents, featuring playful lyrics about her success and wealth. "Candy Paint," another standout track, has the potential to surpass "Big Boy" in energy, though Normani's relaxed flow sometimes undercuts its impact. On "Still," she masterfully transforms a Mike Jones sample into an empowering anthem for women, showcasing her Texas roots and delivering a memorable performance.

While Dopamine is a solid reintroduction to Normani’s sultrier, more mature side, it does face the challenge of maintaining momentum across its entirety. Some tracks, like the house-influenced "Take My Time," the Kelly Rowland-inspired "Little Secrets," and the James Blake collaboration "Tantrums," aim to display her versatility but sometimes feel like they are trying too hard to cover different genres. This gives the impression of an artist still searching for a cohesive identity through sound experimentation rather than through a unified songwriting vision.

Despite these minor shortcomings, Dopamine effectively establishes Normani's unique perspective and artistic potential. The album is filled with nods to her influences—Janet Jackson, Brandy, Aaliyah—but these references never overshadow her distinct voice. The chosen features, such as James Blake, complement her style well, and the overall production is tight and focused. Normani appears unpressured to conform, instead creating a compact record that reflects her true artistic desires.

Normani's story is one of resilience and determination, from her early days in Fifth Harmony to her solo success and personal struggles. Dopamine showcases her growth and potential, offering a collection of tracks that blend sensuality, danceability, and emotional depth. It’s a promising foundation for her future in music, highlighting her ability to craft a compelling and authentic record.