Hillari’s album “New Beginnings” presents a cohesive and introspective journey through themes of personal growth, emotional resilience, and self-discovery. The album’s production is characterized by atmospheric arrangements that complement Hillari’s soulful vocals, creating an immersive listening experience.
“Lost It All”
Hillari opens with vulnerability as armor, not weakness. The production is spare, even patient, not in a lazy way, but more like someone who’s just realized there’s no point in pretending. Each beat lands like a quiet admission. Her voice doesn’t plead, it states. Calm, wounded, direct. You can hear someone trying to piece themselves back together mid-sentence.
Lyrically, it’s not about wallowing, it’s about that quiet, terrifying moment when everything falls away and you’re left with yourself. There’s honesty here that doesn’t try to make suffering sound poetic. It just is. And that choice makes it hit harder.
“New Beginnings”
The title track could have gone in a corny direction, but it doesn’t. Instead, it balances optimism with realism. Hillari doesn’t sound like she’s “over it,” she sounds like she wants to believe in what’s next and that tension is what gives the song its emotional weight.
There’s something understated in the instrumental, a bed of synths that never crowd her vocal, percussion that ticks like a second hand. It creates a mood that’s both meditative and forward-moving. She sings about starting over like someone standing at the edge of a cliff, knowing the only way forward is to jump. There’s fear, yes, but also clarity.
“Breaking Hearts”
“Breaking Hearts” is, at its core, a confrontation. Not loud. Not messy. But absolutely pointed. The pacing of the track mimics the pacing of a heavy conversation of long pauses, deep breaths, and words that land like glass hitting tile.
What stands out is Hillari’s ability to show both sides of heartbreak without spelling it out. She holds the wound and the knife. There’s guilt in her voice, but also pride, as if she’s no longer sorry for surviving. The songwriting is concise, but loaded. You don’t need a breakdown to get it; you feel it immediately.
Overall, “New Beginnings” isn’t the kind of album that’s trying to grab you right away. It doesn’t come in loud or flashy, and that’s kind of the beauty of it. It just sits with you. The songs give you space, without forcing a story or a feeling. They leave room for your own. It’s honest without trying too hard to be deep.
Hillari’s voice feels personal, like she’s right there next to you, saying things you didn’t know you needed to hear. It’s not about big notes or drama , it’s about connection. And that kind of quiet honesty, is what sticks.
Check for Hillari on IG: @hillarialison
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