Alex Vaughn steps her R&B game up with The Hurtbook (Homegirl Pack)

Conceptually described as being based around her numerous relationships and the impact it has on her personal life, The Hurtbook (Homegirl Pack) combines introspection with a sleek and suave production. With its instrumentation mixing patterned drum machine with a quaint use of guitar and synths like in "Do You Ever" and "I’m Leaving," you can relate with the ruminations about romance. The slight tint of reverberations and multi-layered tracking of back-up vocals allows the album to mix both the retro-styled themes with the futuristic effects on. The subdued direction allows Vaughn to stand out as timeless with her strong, oftentimes heartfelt vocals.

A key part of what makes The Hurtbook a gem of an album is that it's unfiltered and unapologetic in its lyrics. "Demon Time" is all but thematically clear in its innuendos and with "No Love" in the mix, we get the feeling of how double-edged sex is. It’s such an intoxicating, yet complex subject that Vaughn succeeds in turning into a tool of empowerment without alienating the lingering doubt that could arise from the aftermath.

While most artists would leave at least one track with no swearing to sell as a chart-topping hit, Vaughn’s impassioned performance adds character to the profanity. "IYKYK" combines its catchy chorus with an unexpected delivery when she signs off with “I got too many problems to let a n****r give me more.” "Mirage" sees her attachment to a toxic relationship, quipping “I smile but then I cry / So stupid fucking high / That I forget about the lows.”

It’s these moments that make you not just relate to what it’s like to have a difficult love life, but these traits enable Vaughn to rise up with her own flair. There are moments where she might perform subpar to her usual level. One example is the hypocritical power dynamic where she sees her ex as being “not enough” on "Keep That Energy" which undermines the feeling of being treated like an actual human being.

Meanwhile, "Talkin" could feel like a left turn from "No Love" as she bitterly complains about an end to a messy relationship. It’s one thing to have two songs that tackle from different perspectives, it’s another to come off as being self-contradicting or ungrateful when they’re a part of the concept album.

Nevertheless, The Hurtbook has shown its strengths well thanks to its modern production, hard-hitting takes on love, and Vaughn’s brilliant vocal performance. Let’s hope that she’ll blow up as a star in the future.