Meghan Trainor’s Debut Album ‘Title’ Shows She Has More Than Just Bass

Last year, pop newcomer Meghan Trainor delivered one of the biggest musical sensations in the sugary, doo-wop hit “All About That Bass,” and now she is finally backing up the ubiquitous song of the summer with her debut album, “Title.” The 21-year-old runs through an abundance of musical references from fresh hip-hop, to retro rhythm & blues, to pop power ballads, that all show she is capable of being more than a one hit wonder. And while the record’s catchy first single boasts of its affinity for “bass, bass, bass, bass,” Trainor’s freshman release is far from heavy, but offers a light, fun, and open authenticity.

Of course, “Title” gets started with “All About That Bass,” the hook that earned Trainor two Grammy nominations (for “Song of the Year” and “Record of the Year”) in addition to a spot at the top of the music charts. The vivacious track that embraces her full body image sets a tone, in both sound and attitude, for the rest of the record. She proudly revels in what she has to offer over prominent throwback beats that pay homage to 1950’s era of jazzy piano and upright bass.

Parts of the record sound like Amy Winehouse traded in her gin and tonics for Shirley Temples, like the soulful, yet  peppy and sweet songs “Title” and the unapologetic “Walkashame,” which offers fresh takes on a brass section and finger-snapping as part of the percussion. Other songs shed their retro vibes to dive full on into the world of hip-hop such as the pulsing “Bang Dem Sticks,” where ‘M-Train’ tries her hand at rapping to express a lifelong affinity for drummer lovers who can shake things up with their beats.

One of the strongest and most refreshing aspects of Trainor’s debut is her fun, imaginative narratives that flip potentially embarrassing scenarios into storied anthems to share and laugh about. “Don’t act like you haven’t been there / Seven AM with the bed head,” she sings playfully on “Walkashame” which discloses hilarious details familiar to just about anyone who has ever been to Las Vegas or a house party. Another tell-all tune, “3am,” starts out as a heartfelt song about a girl missing her guy, only to devolve quickly into a confessional melody about her compulsive drunk texting habits. Yep, we’ve all been there, M-Train.

While most of the record is fun and youthful, Trainor includes a few tracks that are soft, serious, and straight pop ballads. Trainor is no stranger to collaborating songwriting efforts with other artists, having previously joined creative forces with renowned acts such as Rascal Flatts and Hunter Hayes for their respective records. Now that she has her own album, the one-of-a-kind John Legend loans his pipes for her most romantic and mature track yet, “Like I’m Gonna Lose You.”

Meghan Trainor is taking her positive and energetic record on the road with her ‘That Bass Tour’ starting in February. She will be playing back-to-back nights at the El Rey theater in Los Angeles on February 21 – 22 with supporting act Sheppard, and no doubt, she will be bringing all of that bass to the stage for a few nights of fun.

Meghan Trainor’s “Title” was released January 13, 2015. She will be at the El Rey Theatre Feb. 21-22. Tickets can be purchased here.