Album Review: Cat Burns – Early Twenties

With several hit singles and performances with Sam Smith and Ed Sheeran before even releasing her first album, Cat Burns has quickly become one to watch. Gaining popularity on TikTok with covers during the COVID lockdown, the London singer-songwriter has built a well-deserved fanbase. With her debut album Early Twenties Burns explores her feelings and the experience of finding herself.

The first track Alone sets the stage for the themes explored in the album. Talking about Burns’ worries as she approaches her mid-twenties singing: “Not long off twenty-five”, the song uses a catchy drumline and indie sound to introduce the genuine and reflective mood that permeates the album. Setting the stage for a new chapter, before the second track Go, the song that kickstarted Burns’ career.

Reaching 14 million views on TikTok and number 2 on the UK singles charts on its first release Go catapulted Burns to new levels of recognition. And it’s easy to understand why, it’s an undeniably catchy breakup track with fun and seriously memorable lyrics. Despite being released almost two years ago it makes a powerful addition to the album fitting well with the other tracks and adding a sense of familiarity for newer fans.

Endgame is another that has found success in social media, you’ve likely heard the hook if you’ve spent time on any music app. The slow guitar backing and almost R&B-style chorus make it stand out as one of the album’s most memorable tracks.

In boy crazy Burn’s creates a slow and hopeful anthem about recognising your sexuality. Playing on the title Burn’s talks about the pressure to be boy-crazy and not fitting the mould. The slow piano and dreamy production make it a hopeful and deeply personal track.

With This is what happens, people pleaser and low self-esteem, Burns again continues the personal note exploring struggles with anxiety and mental health. The lyrics are candid and simple “This is what happens when you’re anxious”, and blend upbeat choral backing with frank discussions of the impacts of mental health. The honesty and self-revelation in these songs are deeply personal and lend a more serious note to the album.

Live more & Love more and Know you are not alone follow these more serious songs with a dose of hopeful reassurance. The upbeat drumlines and lyrics reassure the listener that things will get better. The final track healing pulls together the feeling from the album creating an upbeat and hopeful track about growing as a person and not being afraid of your emotions anymore. The use of gospel inspiration and brass in the promotion brings the energy to new highs and leaves the album on a very positive and hopeful note.

The honesty and genuine self-reflection in the lyrics in Early Twenties elevate the album while the catchy pop-hooks make many of the songs impossible to get out of your head. With such an impressive debut and proven chart success, Cat Burns seems set up to be one of the UK’s most interesting new pop stars.

Eleanor Carr