Rating: 3/5 stars

This past week, Demi Lovato’s newest album, “Tell Me You Love Me,” finally dropped and has her saying more than ever. Taking over MTV’s Snapchat to celebrate and discuss the new album, fans were beyond excited for the release.

The “Confident” artist does not shy away from the spotlight either, being very vocal on her various social media platforms, though maybe she should at times. Commencing the album on a high note, “Sorry Not Sorry” is a personification of the clap back her fans love and adore.

Creating a lot of excitement with its single release, it reached the number 12 spot on Billboard upon its release. With a beyond catchy pre-chorus that will have anyone feeling their fiercest, Lovato takes no prisoners with “And it’d be nice of me to take it easy on ya, but nah.”

Immediately mixing it up with the album’s title track, “Tell Me You Love Me,” she begins to dip into the subjects of love and devotion that she is known so well for. “Oh no, here we go again / Fighting over what I said / I’m sorry, yeah I’m sorry.” A song that can stand easily on its own, the gospel-tinged track is a staple with Lovato belting “No, you ain’t nobody ‘til you got somebody.”

Lovato has no problem addressing her obsession with “Daddy Issues.” She sings with a tone that highlights her upper range, which she is able to belt so well. Easing into a more R&B sound with “Ruin the Friendship,” Lovato starts to pull silkier and sleeker vocals to go with low instrumentals and tasteful percussion. But certain lines such as “Baby, you and I got history / And we can’t deny our chemistry” have many fans speculating that it could be about one of her oldest and closest friends, Nick Jonas.

“Lonely” is the only song on the album to showcase another artist’s talents, with hip-hop artist Lil Wayne. Lovato speaks of her modern, unrequited love, a relatable theme with a unique twist. Lil Wayne accompanies her with a subtle and soothing sound.

The album slips into a subtle change of pop-rock anthems to contemporary R&B ballads, which is nice, but some of the final tracks seem to be seamless melodies, as they repeat and repeat. As much as Lovato’s iconic, belting vocals are adored, she should reign them in at times.

The refined and sultry album is one worth checking out, even though some overwhelming vocals appear unnecessarily like in “Cry Baby.” Lovato has plenty of amazing vocals that showcase her true talents.

She takes on many new sounds and angles at exploring her vocals and limits that have not been seen quite as much in her past works. Unfortunately, the second half of the album tends to sink in comparison to the beginning, consisting of pop-rock, catchy anthems and perfectly belted vocals. However, it is still a pleasing and tasteful album that displays another side of the former Disney star.

Photo provided by Demi Lovato Vevo via Youtube.com