After she released the
Now That the Light Is Fading EP,
Maggie Rogers issued a string of singles that hinted she was moving in a poppier direction. However, her debut album
Heard It in a Past Life offers a more complete picture of her music that gives equal time to her electronic leanings as well as her folky roots, both of which she combined brilliantly on her breakthrough single "Alaska." That song also appears here, and its effortless blend of styles and
Rogers' guileless singing still sparkles. On the rest of
Heard It in a Past Life, she finds different ways to forge her own bright, assured version of pop. Working with
Rostam and
Greg Kurstin among other producers,
Rogers fills the album with clever production twists and heartfelt performances. At times, her skill at transforming big emotions into hook-laden songs calls to mind frequent
Kurstin collaborator
Sia, particularly on "Give a Little"'s call for unity (
Rogers was inspired to write the song after a nationwide school walkout in protest of American gun violence) and "Overnight," where she ponders over how her relationships could change in the wake of her viral success. Even if nothing else here sounds quite like "Alaska,"
Heard It in a Past Life's best songs have as much confidence and originality as the track that introduced her. The album's second half allows
Rogers more range, spanning the sensual sway of "Say It" and "On + Off" (another standout that also appeared on
Now That the Light Is Fading) as well as the empowering ballads "Light On" and "Fallingwater," an impressionistic collaboration with
Rostam that flows and swells like its namesake. While it sometimes feels like
Rogers could be even bolder than she is on
Heard It in a Past Life, it's a strong debut that shows how well she's growing into her fame as well as all the dimensions of her music. ~ Heather Phares