We Need to Talk (album) explained

We Need to Talk
Type:studio
Artist:Tayla Parx
Cover:File:Tayla Parx - We Need to Talk (album cover).jpg
Recorded:2018–2019
Length:36:49
Label:Taylamade, Inc./Atlantic
Prev Title:Tayla Made
Prev Year:2017
Next Title:A Blue State
Next Year:2020

We Need to Talk is the debut studio album by American songwriter and singer Tayla Parx, released on April 5, 2019. The album was preceded by the singles "Me vs. Us", "Slow Dancing" and "I Want You".

Background

After co-writing many songs for artists such as Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, BTS. She also co-wrote "Love Lies" by Khalid and Normani, "High Hopes" by Panic! at the Disco and Ariana Grande's number 1 singles "Thank U, Next" and "7 Rings".[1] Parx began writing her album in mid 2018 to early 2019.[2] When interviewed about the album and her own label she said, " lot of labels started to realize that I was writing their artists’ songs and helping their artists come up with an identity for themselves. The last few albums I’ve worked on, I’ve done at least half the album".[3]

Composition

The album was mentioned to have a "common theme of R&B".[4]

Singles

"Me vs. Us" was released as the lead single on September 14, 2020. One month later on October 19, 2020, she released "Slow Dancing" as the second single. The third single of the album, "I Want You", was released along with its music video on March 9, 2019.[5]

Critical reception

Pitchfork mentioned that the best parts are when they "arrive in the moments when Tayla Parx's charisma starts to shine through". But also mentioning that "Tayla encounters the same pitfalls that have held back many songwriters who attempt to break through as performers".[6] Kyle Denis from Black Boy Bullentin mentioned that "We Need to Talk, Tayla floats between sugary pop melodies and disarming verses".[7] Complex Praised, Parx for her work on many other songs and also said "We Need to Talk showcases Parx taking center stage with her talents".[8] Cool Accidents said "We Need To Talk, drops today and yeah, we need to talk about how good it is. It's full of the honest songwriting, pop groove and sparkly production", while also mentioning her work on Ariana Grande's 2019 album Thank U, Next.[9] Billboard mentioned "Parx's debut album is her chance to show and prove. With classical music and acting training growing up, Parx's skillset undeniably developed into a perfect storm for making music".[10]

Track listing

Credits adapted from iTunes[11] and Tidal.[12]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Tayla Parx Helped Write Your Favorite Singers' Favorite Songs. GQ. April 8, 2019. July 14, 2019.
  2. Web site: Tayla Parx Has Her Own Voice. Vice. April 8, 2019. July 14, 2019.
  3. Web site: Tayla Parx is ready to talk about everything. FADER. April 10, 2019. July 14, 2019.
  4. Get to Know 'We Need To Talk' Singer-Songwriter Tayla Parx. Billboard. June 5, 2019. July 14, 2019.
  5. Web site: Tayla Parx wants everyone on new single "I Want You": Stream. Consequence Of Sound. March 9, 2019. July 14, 2019.
  6. Web site: Tayla Parx: We Need to Talk Album Review. Pitchfork. April 8, 2019. July 14, 2019.
  7. Web site: Album Review: Tayla Parx Is Her Own Artist on 'We Need to Talk'. Black Boy Bulletin. April 7, 2019. July 14, 2019.
  8. Web site: Tayla Parx Shares New Album 'We Need to Talk' f/ Joey Badass, Cautious Clay, and DUCKWRTH. Complex. April 6, 2019. July 14, 2019.
  9. Web site: We Need To Talk About How Good Tayla Parx's Debut Album Is. Cool Accidents. April 5, 2019. July 14, 2019.
  10. Tayla Parx Talks New Album, Getting a Missy Elliott Co-Sign and Why Timing is Everything. Billboard. April 12, 2019. July 14, 2019.
  11. Web site: We Need to Talk by Tayla Parx on Apple Music. iTunes Store. United States.
  12. Web site: We Need to Talk. Tidal. July 14, 2019.