Grace VanderWaal - CHILDSTAR Album Review
Album Cover of CHILDSTAR, PULSE Records 2025
Written by Dylan Boley
Grace VanderWaal is back with her second studio-length album, CHILDSTAR, the first one under her new record label, PULSE Records. VanderWaal first gained attention by being the winner of America’s Got Talent Season 11 at age 12 and has released multiple projects since then.
The album’s sound was inspired by many indie artists, Lorde, Girl In Red, and Suki Waterhouse, as stated on her record label’s website, and that is very evident throughout the entire album. The standout elements of the album had to be the lyricism and production. Being a new sound for VanderWaal, she perfectly stepped into this new concept and delivered on every piece.
Proud
The opening track of the album, “Proud” gives us an inside look into her childhood after her newfound stardom. The track opens with the sound of a music box and the current VanderWaal talking to her younger self, “You don’t have a voice yet, you don’t get to say” being the standout lines in the first verse. The song then becomes a bit heavier sonically, and the story continues as VanderWaal discusses the mental and emotional pain she had to endure to get where she is today, being everything they “wanted [her] to be”.
Brand New
“Brand New” continues on the topic of “Proud”, talking about the sacrifices of her childhood and the hope that now she can be a brand new person after everything. My two favorite elements of the piece would be the strings and the clock sounds that carry throughout the song. The ringing of the bell and the sounds of ticking that can be heard throughout help bring the idea of death and rebirth together perfectly.
Homesick
The third track, “Homesick” is a more melancholic song led by a guitar and haunting harmonies. VanderWaal wishes for a different childhood, dreaming of a life that is safe and out of the public eye.
What’s Left Of Me
“What’s Left Of Me” is a transition into talks of a past relationship. The song powerfully incorporates the instruments, the energetically rhythmic drums being the standout element of the song. An anthem for her relationships, “What’s Left Of Me” describes the deep emotions and pain that stay around even after a terrible relationship, almost feeling like that person is haunting her.
Call It What You Want
The lead single of CHILDSTAR, “Call It What You Want” describes the story of two people in denial about being in love with each other. They are unable to show their love for each other in public, and even though they only are together in private, it does not matter to them.
Babydoll (feat. Aliyah’s Interlude)
A complete 180° from the previous songs, “Babydoll” is all about VanderWaal’s alter-ego of the same name. The song features VanderWaal’s first collaboration, Aliyah's Interlude, who wrote her rap for the second verse. All about having fun and being a little reckless, this song is perfect for people who need another song in the pre-going-out playlist. The song perfectly symbolizes freedom and living your best life.
Beg For It
“Beg For It”, the 7th song off CHILDSTAR, lets people know that she is here and she is finally in control. All about her autonomy, the song is sultry and forward, asking if they would give her all of the attention and beg for anything in return. The bounce of the chorus in both the vocals and beat is a wonderful contrast to the verses and pre-choruses.
Behavioral Problems
“Behavioral Problems” is another song with similar themes to “Beg For It”, another sultry song about autonomy. The song is much darker and deeper sonically, with heavy beats throughout the chorus and haunting background vocals. VanderWaal talks about not listening to anyone except herself anymore, and having people take her for who she is. She is not afraid to speak out anymore and will not let people get in her way.
Fade
The final song of the album, “Fade” perfectly encompasses the album. The song sounds like the drive home after a wild night, a recurring theme in the middle and last part of the album. The song has a powerful buildup, with a strong drum section prominent throughout the pre-chorus. The anticipation is well waited, as an electrifying climax fills the chorus, the synthesizer being the standout force in the section. The last 20 seconds is a beautiful string section that builds into distortion, signifying a new life for VanderWaal.
Rating: 8/10
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