Paula Cortez - Ingredients (Album)

Paula spreads her wings fully on her debut. This sound is not the same Paula from the “Daydream” EP; as timeless as that project still is, these are all the ingredients that not only go into making her favorite “Cereal,” but it’s all the little things. The people, the nuances in life that make her who she is today & who she’ll continue to strive to be but fret not, cause there’s still little hints of her past acoustics sprinkled throughout the project.

The buoyancy & exuberance of the title track is so irresistibly sincere, as she retreats back to someone of the past, just for a little bit but instantly picks back up the scary sincerity, wanting to make the relationship work. Still, maybe not being on the same page, acknowledging the two are better off but is that really what they want? Only time will permit if it’ll be by their side, there’s no point in rushing, but if you simply can’t be there when she needs you, then she’s going to be too “Busy” for you since clearly, you were too busy being fucked up, it’s unfortunate. Still, at some point, you have to do what’s best for you, even if it hurts the other person.

The coming of age poignancy of the previously released “Shoulders,” wanting a love uncomplicated, only “Cuddles.” It’s beautiful to hear her so comfortably independent, demanding the respect she so deserves. Don’t be like the boys in the past; she’s worth more than all the child’s play. If you can’t live up to someone like her, Tio, whom she pens a tearjerker of a full circle ballad for her, bringing it fully back to her acoustics that dominated her early work.

Paula is finally taking control of her happiness on “Sunshine” I love the use of profanity cause it shows growth & maturity. She’s fed the fuck up & frankly, doesn’t care how she’s perceived for speaking her mind; how beautiful is that as she closes this opus of a debut off bittersweetly with “Next 2 You”, it was all she wanted. Still, you couldn’t deliver; it’s alright though; some things just aren’t meant to be, but it was fun while it lasted & as an ingredient, you were one too many.