Heaven & Hell - Ava Max

Heaven & Hell was released to generally favorable reviews from music critics, many of whom praised the upbeat production and Max's vocal abilities, but criticized the lyrics and lack of originality. The album peaked at number two on the UK Albums Chart, and at number 27 on the US Billboard 200

“Clearly originality isn’t a priority, and lyrically Heaven & Hell blows up pop cliches to 96-point headlines, reaching a nadir on the heavy-handed, “I’m weird me” outcast anthem So Am I. Even at its most basic, however, the melodic infrastructure is impeccable, plus there’s something glorious about its dogged aversion to anything other than 2D escapism.”

Back to the era of prime Gaga and Katy Perry with nailed-on melodies and high-wire vocals - this album is determined to entertain.

Chances are you’ll be familiar with ludicrous earworm Sweet But Psycho, which is fast approaching one billion Spotify streams. Its template of churning synths and cheerleader chants also forms the backbone of the bubbly Tattoo, while recent single, the broad strokes empowerment anthem Kings & Queens, goes one step further into Stars in their Eyes territory by employing Gaga’s erstwhile producer RedOne. The references don’t end there; on Naked, which shares Teenage Dream’s wistful, baked-in nostalgia, Max channels Ariana Grande’s controlled yearning, while the disco-tinged OMG What’s Happening recalls Marina’s high-wire vocal undulations.

Tracklist

1. My Head & My Heart

2. H.E.A.V.E.N

3. Kings & Queens

4. Naked

5. Tattoo

6. OMG What's Happening

7. Call Me Tonight

8. Born to the Night

9. Torn

10. Take You To Hell

11. Who's Laughing Now

12. Belladonna

13. Rumors

14. So Am I

15. Salt

16. Sweet but Psycho