The best pop album I’ve heard in 2018 actually came out in 2017. That’s Dua Lipa’s self-titled debut, which is so packed with bangers and bops that it could be a greatest hits collection. That woman is a talent.
The second best 2017 pop album I’ve heard is another debut, Camila by former Fifth Harmony member Camila Cabello. Best known for #1 hit ‘Havana,’ this is a sultry, introspective album about as far from Cabello’s girl band roots as she could get.
As I’ve noted before, it also features the best album cover in years.
Cabello wrote today’s track after the 2017 Grammys, inspired by an encounter with a famous actor whose name she’s kept secret. She was struck by the superficial, guarded nature of Hollywood stars and her longing to make a more meaningful connection.
Blank stares, faithless
Vampires at the same places
Shadows, traces
I know that you feel me
[Refrain]
You’re runnin’, runnin’, runnin’, runnin’
Making the rounds with all your fake friends
Runnin’, runnin’ away from it
You can strip down without showing skin, yeah
[Pre-Chorus]
I can see you’re scared of your emotions
I can see you’re hoping, you’re not hopeless
So why can’t you show me?
Why can’t you show me?
I can see you’re looking for distractions
I can see you’re tired of the acting
So why can’t you show me?
[Chorus]
Who are you in the dark? (I, I)
Show me the scary parts (I, I)
Who are you when it’s 3 AM and you’re all alone
And L.A. doesn’t feel like home? (I, I, I)
Who are you in the dark?
[Verse 2]
Plus one, guest list
But you don’t even know what her name is
Secrets, endless
I know that you feel me
[Refrain]
You’re runnin’, runnin’, runnin’, runnin’ (oh)
Making the rounds with all your fake friends (making)
Runnin’, runnin’ away from it (away)
You can strip down without showing skin, now
[Pre-Chorus]
I, I can see you’re scared of your emotions
I can see you’re hoping, you’re not hopeless
So why can’t you show me?
Why can’t you show me?
I can see you’re looking for distractions
I can see you’re tired of the acting
So why can’t you show me?
[Chorus]
Who are you in the dark? (I, I)
Show me the scary parts (I, I)
Who are you when it’s 3 AM and you’re all alone
And L.A. doesn’t feel like home? (I, I, I)
Who are you in the dark?
[Bridge]
Darling, come on and let me in
Darling, all of the strangers are gone, they’re gone
I said, darling, come on and let me see
Darling, I promise that I won’t run
[Chorus]
So tell me
Who are you in the dark? (I, I)
Show me the scary parts (I, I)
Who are you when it’s 3 AM
And you’re all alone (and you’re all alone)
And L.A. doesn’t feel like home? (No, I, I, I)
Who are you in the dark?
[Outro]
Mmmmm, mmmm, mmm
Who are you in the dark?
Mmmmm, mmmm, mmm
Who are you in the dark?
Mmmmm, mmmm, mmm
Who are you in the dark?
Meet Me In Montauk 
This is good, though not nearly as catchy as “Havana.” I am curious to hear the rest of the album and I’m with ya on the album cover.😁