Mila J has started to step out of her sister's, Jhene Aiko, shadow this year following the success of her single Smoke, Drink, Break-Up. She has proven that she can sing, dance and perform as well as look every inch the pop star, so does her E.P, Made In L.A, continue to showcase her potential as the next female R'n'B superstar.
1. My Main feat. Ty Dolla $ign
I am not that impressed with this track, which is also Mila's latest single, as it lacks any originality in the production. The theme of the song is cute - Mila is giving a shout out to her best friend - and makes a nice change from the overly discussed topics love, heartbreak, sex and partying.
But this doesn't set Mila apart from the hundreds of other young female singers trying to make a name for themselves in the industry.
2. Champion feat. B.o.B
This song is definitely an improvement from the first with a catchy hook, a sexy melody and solid production. Although it could be considered a bit vulgar, it is not much different from the male R'n'B singers, such as Chris Brown, Trey Songz and August Alsina, are doing in their music it just comes as a bit more of a surprise when being sung by a female. However, I feel a bit of empowerment in the sentiment of the song but that is just my interpretation.
3. Times Like These
Upon first listen, I was slightly bored as there is no change in the melody or pace of this song which makes it a bit bold. However, after watching the video (which breaks the song up between acted songs) the lyrics and vocals really shine through making it a stronger ballad than what it is on the E.P. All it needs is less production on the verses and then the beat can come in at the chorus to add a bit more structure to the song.
4. Pain In My Heart feat. Problem
By far my favourite song on the E.P. and, in my opinion, should have been the follow-up single instead of My Main. The vocals, particularly on the chorus, are really stunning and melodic which bring the song to life emotionally. The lyrics are touching, easy to relate to and vulnerable and the production is unlike any R'n'B ballad I have heard in the past five or so years.
This is definitely the route Mila J is strongest in and she should embrace this side of her music a lot more when it comes to her debut album.
5. Smoke, Drink, Break-Up
The song we have all heard and love by now, and rightfully so, as this really shines amongst some of the lacklustre tracks on this E.P.
Vocally, Mila almost sounds like another person on this track and she plays with her raspy and more aggressive tones which works because it makes her voice distinctive. The beat and production is brilliant on this song and this is almost an A+ in terms of R'n'B music, all that is missing in the French Montana feature.
Overall, this E.P was a slight disappointment because it was Mila's opportunity to grab the attention of critics, fans and the media and get them on side, excited for her upcoming debut album.
However, aside from some great vocals and the stunning Pain In My Heart, Mila didn't really showcase her individuality or her strengths as an artist. She fell short on the first three tracks and didn't have enough time to bring herself back afloat.
Hopefully, she learns from this E.P. and makes better choices in order to create a more distinctive album.
Rating: 2/5
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