REVIEW: Dami Im's powerful fifth album 'My Reality'
Words: Jett Tattersall
“I was born to write and sing and perform and that's what I love doing. That's what makes me feel alive, it expands me.” When Dami Im rocketed forth from her X-Factor champion cannon in 2013 with her self-titled debut album, the primary through-line of her music was that voice and the incredibly humble woman behind it. She became a near-immediate national treasure. Over the years, Im's focus has shifted towards her lyricism, her compositions, her curiosities, hopes, heartbreaks, and desires. My Reality, Im’s fifth studio album, is her most earnest, eclectic, and accomplished effort yet. A collection which Im has yearned, since the very beginning, to create.
Latest single ‘Pray’ opens the record with keys, gospel, synth, and Im’s unmistakable vocals. Im says the song is “about finding a glimmer of hope in a seemingly dark world." Her seemingly effortless pairing of sentiment and a ‘call to attention’ sets the tone for an album that looks inward and pours forth the most wonderful assortment. Each song is individually wrapped, and wax-sealed with Im's absolute integrity.
‘Alone’ written by Im & Audius Mtawarira is particularly poignant and new learning for Im that is ever so welcoming to the ear. “Time on the road / the highs and lows / When I come home I don't feel like I belong” Im demonstrates such gentle ferocity in this lullaby confession about the pitfalls of fame. And though listeners are familiar with Im belting out a ballad, there is something so strangely moreish in the soft candour of ‘Alone’.
My Reality has its fair share of Im's iconic upbeat power-pop anthems too. With fan favorites such as ' Lonely Cactus' and the song Im wrote that completely encapsulates her mantra "I am strong and I’ve always been strong", 'Paper Dragon'.
Following the beat of a similar drum, the new track 'Fire', the album's closer, is sure to induce grins and raise car-sung choruses of solidarity. “I’m going deeper / To find the treasure / Looking for the flicker that keeps our hearts on fire”. Though much more upbeat, ‘Fire's melody and sentiment carry a lingering reminiscence of 'Marching On', Im's ode to her mother, which also features on the album. It makes for a wonderfully subtle reminder that no matter where Im’s curiosities lead, her core inspirations ring true.
Reflecting on the collection, Im confesses that, until now, she hadn’t been mature enough to steer her work in the directions she wanted them to go. “This is the dream album, it took a while but I’m so proud of it. This album is about owning who I am.” As a singer, Im’s voice is as earthy and soothing as ever before, but it’s the songwriting, the ownership of her insecurities, laid bare, in My Reality that Dami Im truly excels herself.
My Reality is out now via ABC Music. You can buy and stream here.
To keep up with all things Dami Im you can follow her on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
