Diamonds & Dancefloors – Ava Max

By: Mason Ringger

Ava Max is an Albanian-American singer songwriter that has had hits like “Sweet But Psycho,” “The Motto” with Tiesto, and “Kings and Queens” that put her on the pop map. These songs largely fall into a pop dance category with up-tempo drums, traditional leads, and electric melodies.

Diamonds and Dancefloors is Ava Max’s sophomore studio album which delivers 14 catchy tracks. With her last album Heaven and Hell being released in 2020, Ava Max fans finally have something new to sink into. The album leans into synth pop, reminiscent of Dawn FM by The Weekend.

Diamonds and Dancefloors opens with “Million Dollar Baby” which sets the tone for the tracks to follow with swooshing synth and simple drumline. This track shows off her vocal talent with high notes and commanding vocal presence. “Maybe You’re The Problem” is the highest streamed on Spotify off the album, and for good reason. It features a fast-paced pop styling that sticks to the brain and gets you moving. The album speaks to love lost, love found, and the heartbreak between them through the techno dance instrumentation.

My favorite song on the album is a bit of a sleeper record for the album but deserves recognition is “In The Dark.” While it is the least streamed song on the record, it has a futuristic quality added to the vocals and bouncing drums that makes this a hit for me. The album closes with “Dancing’s Done” which wraps the album up with another techno hit. The bassline gives a haunted feeling along with lyrics that speak of forbidden love.

Fans of the genre will find everything they need from Ava Max’s Diamonds and Dancefloors, and there are some tracks with real potential.

Favorite Track: “In The Dark”

Rating: 7/10