Alchemical: Volume 1

Last updated
Alchemical: Volume 1
Alchemical Volume 1.jpg
Studio album by
Dove Cameron
ReleasedDecember 1, 2023
Recorded2021–2023
Genre
Length22:45
Label
Producer
Dove Cameron chronology
Liv and Maddie
(2015)		Alchemical: Volume 1
(2023)
Singles from Alchemical: Volume 1
  1. "Boyfriend"
    Released: February 11, 2022
  2. "Breakfast"
    Released: June 24, 2022
  3. "Lethal Woman"
    Released: October 20, 2023
  4. "Sand"
    Released: November 10, 2023

Alchemical: Volume 1 is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter and actress Dove Cameron. It was released on December 1, 2023, through Disruptor and Columbia. Cameron originally intended to release a full album entitled Alchemical with it being split up in two halves. The album is primarily a pop and alt-pop record, with lyrical content centered around love, grief and self-reflection.

Contents

The album was preceded by the singles "Boyfriend", "Breakfast", "Lethal Woman" and "Sand". "Boyfriend" gained viral attention on TikTok, received critical acclaim and reached top-twenty on the Billboard Hot 100. Upon release, the album received generally positive reviews with praise to the songwriting and Cameron's vocals.

Background and release

After various single releases, Cameron announced in 2022 that she had begun work on a new EP and released the single "Boyfriend" which went viral on TikTok and reached top-ten in various countries. [3] [4] After its release, Cameron reset her public music catalog, removing her older releases from all streaming services. [5] She noted that she had changed her upcoming EP to a two-part album titled Alchemical. [5] On the album's split, Cameron noted that she "felt like [she] was writing the two halves in such different headspaces" calling it a "stark sonic page turn". [6]

On July 24, 2023, Dove told Variety that she was really close to finishing the record. [7] The album was released on December 1, 2023. [8]

Composition

Genres and themes

While the Emmy-winning star has been a household name [...] behind the scenes of Cameron’s success story, she's faced hardships that've forcibly kept her in touch with life’s harsh realities [...] Cameron, who’s seen a therapist for most of her life, approached writing Alchemical, Vol. 1 by revisiting many harrowing experiences she’s endured.

—  People writer Jack Irvin on Cameron's approach to writing the album. [1]

Alchemical: Volume 1 is primarily a pop, alt-pop, and goth-pop record. [2] The album lyrical content centers around love, breakups, self-reflection and grief and was described as a "looking glass into [Cameron's] intricate and impressively balanced. [1] The EP also incorporates a mix of ballads, orchestral elements and electronic dance music breakdowns. [9] [10] Washington Square News writer Eleanor Jacobs noted that the production team "utilizes deconstruction and are unafraid of mess as a means toward reflecting Cameron's honesty". [9]

Cameron has stated that she was mostly inspired by her mother and American poet Jack Gilbert, adding that she loves to read poetry that "feels so human that [she's] reminded that we are eternal because all of these experiences are so varied and so many that it's actually universal". [11]

Music and lyrics

The album opens with the song "Lethal Woman". [8] The song was described as a "dramatic opening statement" and Cameron's vocals were compared to that of a Disney villain. [8] [12] The song lyrically centers around a woman Cameron met at a party who exuded "confidence, sensuality and danger". [13] This is followed by the somber ballad, "Still", which received a comparison to Mykola Leontovych's, "Carol of the Bells". [13] Michael Cragg noted that Cameron's "sultry voice adds a sinister dimension". [10]

"Breakfast" was described as a "vulnerable track infused with rage". [5] Cameron noted that it "emerged from vulnerable conversations in the studio" and based it on an experience she had where there was "a power imbalance dynamic in a relationship with a straight man". [5] She added that while writing the song, she dived "into radical honesty to keep conversations going that were previously silenced, such as highlighting the LGBTQ+ community and other marginalized groups". [5]

This was followed by "Sand" which was called the album's highlight and spoke on a toxic and unrequited relationship, "capturing the complexity of navigating a relationship where love is imbalanced". [13] The song's songwriting received praise, being called "poetic and impactful". [9] Cameron originally wrote the song as a poem. [13] "White Glove" was called "camp-pop" and centers around living a luxury life with "with sex, money and drugs". [13] The song was compared to the opening track's darkness. [13] "God's Game" was described as haunting where Cameron sings about the "unpredictability of love" and vulnerability, noting that "[she] is no home for [someone]". [13] In the song, Cameron reflects on her career. [9]

"Boyfriend" was hailed as a queer anthem. [5] The song "prowls around with a seductive swagger amid volcanic beat eruptions". [10] The album concludes with "Fragile Things" which was called ethereal and serene, with Cameron drawing parallels "between her doomed romantic relationship and a house of fragile things". [13] Cameron uses her low, sultry vocals on the finale, and is accompanied by a slow, high-pitched piano before building up to incorporate strings in a staccato manner. [13] The song was compared to a pensive waltz that likens an old relationship to a dilapidated house. [9]

Critical reception

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Dork Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svg [8]
The Guardian Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [10]

Upon release, the album received generally positive reviews. Dork writer Martyn Young called the album "short, sharp and direct". [8] He called Cameron a rising star, noting that the album "leaves you tantalisingly, and wanting more from an artist on the precipice of pop glory". [8] Washington Square News writer Eleanor Jacobs also praised the album's songwriting although she noted some criticism for the tracklist, feeling that "the emotional arrangement feels too intentional to create any ongoing narrative within the tracklist, but is perhaps meant to establish a divide between the artist's past and present". [9] She called the album "rife with reminiscence as well as a longing for healing and conclusion". [9]

The Statesman writer Clare Gehlich gave the album high praise and felt it was "a culmination of Cameron writing music to process and express the trauma tied to her past relationships with moments of self-discovery". [13] The Guardian writer Michael Cragg gave the album three stars, and compared Cameron to Billie Eilish and Lana Del Rey. [12] [10] Contrastingly, another writer for the same newspaper felt the album fell flat calling it a "failed experiment". [12] He called Cameron a "black sheep" amongst Disney-turned-popstars Olivia Rodrigo and Sabrina Carpenter, critiquing the album's production. [12]

Promotion

Cameron had stated that she would embark on a tour in 2024. [14]

Singles

"Boyfriend" was released as the lead single on February 11, 2022. [15] The song became a commercial success and reached 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart becoming Cameron's first entry since 2015. [15] It was certified double platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) in June 2024. [16] A music video was released simultaneously and has since surpassed over 85 million views. [5]

The album's second single, "Breakfast", followed in June 2023 with an accompanying music video in response to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. [17] The video went on to win Video for Good at the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards. [18]

On October 20, 2023, the single "Lethal Woman" was made available alongside the album's pre-order. [19] [20] "Sand" was released as the fourth and final single of the album, accompanied with a music video featuring Josh Beauchamp. [21]

Commercial performance

Alchemical: Volume 1 debuted at 41 on the UK Album Downloads Chart. [22]

Track listing

No.TitleLyricsMusicProducer(s)Length
1."Lethal Woman" Dove Cameron
  • Connor
  • Riley
  • Daly
2:06
2."Still"Cameron
  • Cameron
  • Connor
  • Riley
  • Daly
  • Connor
  • Riley
  • Daly
3:09
3."Breakfast"
Evan Blair2:28
4."Sand"
3:39
5."White Glove"Cameron
  • Cameron
  • Connor
  • Riley
  • Daly
  • Connor
  • Riley
  • Daly
2:30
6."God's Game"
  • Cameron
  • Connor
  • Riley
  • Daly
  • Connor
  • Riley
  • Daly
2:44
7."Boyfriend"
BlairBlair2:33
8."Fragile Things"Cameron
  • Cameron
  • Connor
  • Riley
  • Daly
  • Connor
  • Riley
  • Daly
3:33
Total length:22:45

Notes

Personnel

Musicians

Technical

Charts

2023 chart performance for Alchemical: Volume 1
Chart (2023)Position
UK Album Downloads Chart [22] 41

Release history

RegionDateFormatLabelRef.
WorldwideDecember 1, 2023 [23]

Related Research Articles

<i>The Writings on the Wall</i> 1999 studio album by Destinys Child

The Writing's on the Wall is the second studio album by American girl group Destiny's Child. It was released on July 14, 1999, by Columbia Records. Dissatisfied with their 1998 eponymous debut studio album, Destiny's Child sought transition from the record's neo soul-influenced sound. Hence, the group took more creative control and enlisted an almost entirely different array of collaborators, including Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs, Kandi Burruss, Missy Elliott, Rodney Jerkins, and LaShawn Daniels, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Genie in a Bottle</span> 1999 single by Christina Aguilera

"Genie in a Bottle" is a song by American singer Christina Aguilera from her self-titled debut studio album (1999). It was written by Pam Sheyne, Steve Kipner and David Frank, and produced by Kipner and Frank. The song was released on 22 June 1999, by RCA Records as the album's lead single. It is a soul-pop, teen pop and dance-pop song with elements of R&B. "Genie in a Bottle" uses sexual references to address the themes of self-respect and abstinence.

<i>Revolution in Me</i> 2003 studio album by Siobhán Donaghy

Revolution in Me is the debut studio album by British musician Siobhán Donaghy, released on 29 September 2003 by London Records. It was her first solo album following her acrimonious departure from British girl group Sugababes. Donaghy departed the group amid reports of her being bullied by its other members. When she quit the Sugababes, the band was dropped by London Records, who decided to retain Donaghy's contract as a solo artist.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">There You Go</span> 2000 single by Pink

"There You Go" is the debut single recorded by American singer Pink for her debut studio album, Can't Take Me Home (2000). It was co-written by Pink, Kevin "She'kspere" Briggs, and Kandi Burruss and was produced by Briggs, while Burruss produced the vocals. "There You Go" is a sassy, playful, and jittery R&B track with slinky instrumentation led by harpsichord-synthesizers. Based on personal experiences, the uptempo song is about a bad relationship that the protagonist has ended, but the ex-boyfriend wants her back.

<i>Taylor Swift</i> (album) 2006 studio album by Taylor Swift

Taylor Swift is the debut studio album by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. Under the Big Machine Records imprint, it was released in the United States and Canada on October 24, 2006, and elsewhere on March 18, 2008.

<i>Delta</i> (Delta Goodrem album) 2007 studio album by Delta Goodrem

Delta is the third studio album by Australian singer Delta Goodrem. It was released in Australia on 20 October 2007 through Sony BMG. Goodrem began work on the album in 2006 and collaborated with several writers including Vince Pizzinga, Tommy Lee James, Jörgen Elofsson, Richard Marx, Stuart Crichton, and major contributions by Brian McFadden. The album debuted at No. 1 in Australia, making it her third consecutive chart-topping album there. The album was also released in the United States, by Mercury Records, making it Goodrem's first album to be released there.

<i>Trustfall</i> 2023 studio album by Pink

Trustfall is the ninth studio album by American singer Pink. It was released on February 17, 2023, through RCA Records. Her first studio album since Hurts 2B Human (2019), Pink worked on the production and lyrics with Fred Again, David Hodges, Max Martin, Johnny McDaid, and Shellback, and others. The Lumineers, Chris Stapleton and First Aid Kit feature as guest vocalists. Sonically, Trustfall is a dance-pop record, with inclusion of various subgenres, such as pop rock and folk. Lyrically, it speaks of various subjects, including motivation, self-acceptance, loss and love.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Never Ever (Ciara song)</span> 2009 single by Ciara featuring Young Jeezy

"Never Ever" is a song performed by R&B singer Ciara. It is the first single released from her third studio album, Fantasy Ride. The song features rapper Young Jeezy, was produced by Polow da Don, and was co-written by Ciara and Elvis "BlacElvis" Williams, who both produced and co-wrote Ciara's single, "Promise", from her second album, Ciara: The Evolution.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Speak Now (song)</span> 2010 song by Taylor Swift

"Speak Now" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift. It is the title track for her third studio album of the same name (2010), and was released for digital download as a promotional single on October 5, 2010, by Big Machine Records. Produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman, "Speak Now" is an acoustic guitar-driven country pop song with its refrain incorporating the 1950s rock chord progression. Lyrically, the track is about a protagonist interrupting a wedding in an attempt to win her ex-lover back. Swift was inspired to write it after learning that an ex-boyfriend of her friend would marry someone else.

Camille Angelina Purcell, known professionally as Kamille, is a British singer-songwriter and record producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dove Cameron</span> American actress and singer (born 1996)

Dove Olivia Cameron is an American singer and actress. She rose to fame for her dual role of the eponymous characters in Disney Channel's comedy series Liv and Maddie (2013–2017) and her leading role in the network's Descendants film franchise (2015–2021); the former won her the Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in Children's Programming.

"Forever & Always" is a song written and recorded by the American singer-songwriter Taylor Swift for her second studio album, Fearless (2008). Swift was inspired to write the song by her short-lived relationship with Joe Jonas in 2008. Produced by Swift and Nathan Chapman, "Forever & Always" is a country pop and pop rock song with lyrics about a troubled relationship with an ex-boyfriend. Music critics found the song catchy but generic, and they commented that it set the precedent to Swift's songwriting about her highly publicized personal life on subsequent albums.

<i>Nervous System</i> (EP) 2017 EP by Julia Michaels

Nervous System is the third extended play and major-label debut by American singer and songwriter Julia Michaels, released by Republic Records on July 28, 2017. Most of the tracks on the EP were composed by Michaels and her frequent writing partner, Justin Tranter, as well as the songs producers, Benny Blanco, Stargate and Mattman & Robin. Musically, it is a pop record and lyrically it explores a former romantic relationship of Michaels'. It is Michaels' first EP to have a commercial impact.

Skyler Stonestreet is an American musician and singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles, California. She is a writer on hit tracks such as Ariana Grande and Justin Bieber's "Stuck with U", The Chainsmokers' "Kanye", Dua Lipa's "IDGAF", Tate McRae and Jeremy Zucker's "That Way", Hailee Steinfeld's "Wrong Direction", Marshmello's "Chasing Colors", Lennon Stella's "Older Than I Am", Dove Cameron's "Boyfriend" and many more. As a writer and a featured vocalist Skyler can be heard on tracks from acts such as Seven Lions' "Freesol" and Cheat Codes and Nicky Romero's "Sober".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dove Cameron discography</span>

American singer and actress Dove Cameron has released one studio album, four soundtrack albums, sixteen singles, twenty-seven promotional singles and twenty-three music videos.

<i>Treat Myself</i> 2020 studio album by Meghan Trainor

Treat Myself is the third major-label studio album by the American singer-songwriter Meghan Trainor. Epic Records released it on January 31, 2020, after delaying it for over a year from its originally scheduled release date. Trainor worked with producers including Mike Sabath, Tyler Johnson, Ojivolta, and Andrew Wells. Initially inspired by pop artists and her experiences with panic disorder, Trainor rewrote the album to adapt to changing trends in the music industry and the rising popularity of hip-hop. It features guest appearances by Sabath, Nicki Minaj, Lennon Stella, Sasha Sloan, the Pussycat Dolls, and AJ Mitchell.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">LazyBaby</span> 2021 single by Dove Cameron

"LazyBaby" is a song recorded by American singer and songwriter Dove Cameron, released by Disruptor and Columbia on April 2, 2021. Cameron based the song around the breakdown of a romantic relationship, but labeled it a "breakthrough song". Following the release of Boyfriend, LazyBaby was removed from streaming services.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boyfriend (Dove Cameron song)</span> 2022 single by Dove Cameron

"Boyfriend" is a song by American singer Dove Cameron, it was released on February 11, 2022, via Disruptor Records and Columbia Records as the lead single from her debut studio album, Alchemical: Volume 1 (2023). The song was written by Cameron, Delacey, Evan Blair and Skyler Stonestreet, and produced by Evan Blair.

<i>My Jesus</i> (album) 2022 studio album by Anne Wilson

My Jesus is the debut studio album by American contemporary Christian music singer Anne Wilson, which was released via Capitol Christian Music Group on April 22, 2022. The album features guest appearances by Hillary Scott and Crowder.

<i>This Is Me... Now</i> 2024 studio album by Jennifer Lopez

This Is Me... Now is the ninth studio album by American entertainer Jennifer Lopez. It was released on February 16, 2024, via Nuyorican Productions and BMG Rights Management, marking her first release under this partnership. The album is heavily inspired by the rekindled romance between Lopez and Ben Affleck as well as their subsequent marriage, with themes of love and self-healing throughout. It is a sequel to Lopez's third studio album This Is Me... Then (2002) and her first studio album in a decade since A.K.A. (2014). It was recorded between May and August 2022 and completed on June 29, 2023. It is the first Lopez album to feature no rappers on its standard edition since J.Lo (2001). Lopez contributed rap verses to three of the album's songs and co-wrote every one on the album, with production primarily from Rogét Chahayed, Jeff "Gitty" Gitelman and Angel Lopez.

References

  1. 1 2 3 Irvin, Jack. "Dove Cameron on Revisiting Past Traumas to Write Her New Album (Exclusive)". People . Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  2. 1 2 Okechukwu, Nmesoma (4 December 2023). "Dove Cameron - Alchemical: Volume 1". Euphoria Magazine. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  3. ↑ White, Caitlin (February 11, 2022). "Dove Cameron's 'Boyfriend' Is Dark And Dramatic, Like A Queer James Bond Theme". Uproxx . Retrieved February 26, 2022.
  4. ↑ "Dove Cameron reveals how TikTok influenced the release of 'Boyfriend'". Dexerto. 2022-03-04. Retrieved 2023-12-14.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Richardson, Randi (September 16, 2022). "Dove Cameron says hit song 'Boyfriend' is 'super specific' to her own life". TODAY. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  6. ↑ Aniftos, Rania (December 12, 2023). "Dove Cameron Talks Exploring Her 'Personhood' on Debut Album 'Alchemical: Volume 1'". Billboard. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  7. ↑ Malkin, Marc (2023-07-24). "Dove Cameron 'Inches Away' From Releasing Debut Album After Writing 60 Songs". Variety. Retrieved 2023-12-14.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Young, Martyn (December 1, 2023). "Dove Cameron - Alchemical Vol. 1". DORK. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Jacobs, Eleanor (December 8, 2023). "Review: Dove Cameron's 'Alchemical: Volume 1' and the relationship between love and change". Washington Square News. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 Cragg, Michael (December 3, 2023). "Dove Cameron: Alchemical: Volume 1 review – high-camp, dark-edged pop". The Guardian. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  11. ↑ Segarra, Edward (December 1, 2023). "Dove Cameron reveals writing essentials for songs like 'Shameless' on 'Alchemical' debut". USA Today. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  12. 1 2 3 4 D'Souza, Shaad (December 1, 2023). "Dove Cameron: Alchemical: Volume 1 review – former Disney star's goth-pop bid falls flat". The Guardian. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Gehlich, Clare (December 17, 2023). "Dove Cameron shines in all of her gothic-pop glory with debut album "Alchemical: Volume 1"". The Statesman. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  14. ↑ Major, Michael (July 24, 2023). "Dove Cameron to Release Debut Album This Year; Plans to Tour in 2024". Broadwayworld. Retrieved March 25, 2024.
  15. 1 2 Zellner, Xander (2022-05-11). "Dove Cameron Hits No. 1 on Emerging Artists Chart, Led by Hit Single 'Boyfriend'". Billboard. Retrieved 2023-12-14.
  16. ↑ "American single certifications – Dove Cameron – Boyfriend". Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). Retrieved December 2, 2024.
  17. ↑ Houghton, Cillea (December 24, 2023). "Interview: Dove Cameron on Writing the Feminist Anthem "Breakfast"". American Songwriter. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  18. ↑ Stenzel, Wesley (September 13, 2023). "2023 VMAs winners: See the full list". Entertainment Weekly. Retrieved September 13, 2023.
  19. ↑ Kennedy, Mark (2023-10-20). "Dove Cameron drops new spiky banger, 'Lethal Woman,' ahead of debut album 'Alchemical: Volume 1'". Alternative Press . Retrieved 2023-12-14.
  20. ↑ Gonzalez, Alex (October 20, 2023). "Dove Cameron Channels The Energy Of A 'Lethal Woman' On Her New Single". Uproxx. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  21. ↑ MacMenamin, Lex (November 13, 2023). "Dove Cameron Talks 'Sand,' Debut Album Alchemical Volume 1, and Surviving Heartbreak". Teen Vogue . Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  22. 1 2 "Dove Cameron | full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company . Retrieved 2024-01-03.
  23. ↑ "Alchemical: Volume 1 by Dove Cameron". Apple Music . Retrieved 7 February 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.