It’s summer in January with Darla Beaux’s warm and cheery single “Summer Dream,†off her upcoming EP “Rebel Soul.â€
Written by Beaux’s producer, KC Price, the song is a witty, smart, yet casual glimpse into summer love. Sung by the 14-year-old Georgia native and Vegas transplant, it’s easy to dismiss it without listening first. With a cavalcade of teen pop stars in the wings, their abundance on reality shows and on the Internet, it seems like every mediocre talent has a stage nowadays.
But after this track’s opening ukulele riff gets you interested, Beaux’s voice keeps it.
Beaux does not sound like your average teen. A charismatic concoction of Colbie Caillat and Lenka, grounded in classic soul and Motown, this kid has “it.â€
It never feels like you’re listening to a teenager who has yet to experience so many of life’s defining moments. She’s an “old school,” sure, but she’s “sweet like a sugar rush” too. That has a lot to do with Price’s beautiful and fun lyrics. The hook plays with opposites in a way that it reads like a teenage girl’s diary entry, but has enough foresight and intelligence to catch the ear of those offended by radio-friendly pop tunes.
In so many ways, it’s a coming of age tale. Not so ironically, it’s almost as if Beaux grows up during the course of it all. In the beginning, she’s shyly soft, but as the song goes on, her vocals become smooth, sexy, strong and serenely passionate.
This is the type of song that teenage girls will sing in unison during the ride to school. Their fathers will hum along, but will attempt to not let their daughters know they know the words.
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