Cd Sia This Is Acting

Sia's "This Is Acting": A Deep Dive into a Masterpiece of Discarded Gems

Sia Furler, the enigmatic Australian singer-songwriter, is known for her powerhouse vocals, emotionally resonant lyrics, and intensely private persona. While she's achieved massive global success with chart-topping hits like "Chandelier" and "Elastic Heart," a lesser-known aspect of her discography holds a special place in the hearts of many fans: This Is Acting, her seventh studio album. Released in 2016, this collection isn't just another Sia album; it's a carefully curated anthology of songs originally written for other artists, revealing a fascinating glimpse into her songwriting process and showcasing her unmatched versatility. This article delves deep into the creation, reception, and lasting impact of This Is Acting, exploring its artistic merit and its place within Sia's larger body of work.

The Genesis of a Rejected Collection: Songs Intended for Others

The core concept behind This Is Acting is its unique origin story. Rather than being a collection of songs written specifically for Sia herself, the album comprises tracks she penned for other artists, many of which were ultimately rejected. This unexpected path gave rise to a record that possesses a distinct character, reflecting a range of emotions and styles that deviate slightly from her usual solo output. It's a testament to Sia's willingness to experiment and her ability to craft compelling songs tailored to different vocal styles and artistic sensibilities.

The album's creation began with a proactive approach. Sia actively sought out collaborations, composing tracks with the intention of them being recorded by other artists. This process allowed her to explore different sonic landscapes and lyrical themes, pushing her creative boundaries beyond the familiar confines of her own established sound. The artists she wrote for included Adele, Rihanna, Beyoncé, and Katy Perry, among others. While some collaborations were successful, resulting in releases like Rihanna's "Diamonds" (co-written by Sia), many others were ultimately shelved, leaving Sia with a treasure trove of unreleased material.

Track-by-Track Exploration: Unveiling the Emotional Depth

This Is Acting isn't simply a collection of rejects; it's a carefully constructed album with a cohesive narrative woven throughout its twelve tracks. Each song reveals a different facet of Sia's songwriting prowess, showcasing her ability to tap into a wide spectrum of emotions and experiences. Let's delve into some key tracks:

• "Alive": The album's opening track, originally intended for Adele, sets a melancholic yet hopeful tone. The soaring vocals and powerful lyrics speak of resilience and the search for meaning in the face of adversity. It showcases Sia's mastery of crafting emotionally charged ballads that resonate deeply with listeners.

• "Bird Set Free": A powerful anthem of self-discovery and liberation, this track quickly became one of the album's most popular singles. Its driving rhythm and uplifting message struck a chord with audiences, solidifying its place as a standout track on This Is Acting.

• "One Million Bullets": This track showcases Sia's ability to blend raw emotion with a driving pop sensibility. Its driving beat and catchy chorus offer a captivating contrast to the vulnerability expressed in the lyrics.

• "Cheap Thrills": Although written for Rihanna, "Cheap Thrills" ultimately became one of Sia's biggest solo hits, demonstrating its undeniable appeal and catchy melody. The song's infectious rhythm and undeniable groove became a global phenomenon.

• "Reaper": This haunting ballad, with its dark and mysterious undertones, is a perfect example of Sia's versatility. The song’s dramatic orchestration and emotionally charged lyrics paint a vivid picture of loss and despair.

• "Move Your Body (Firestone)": A high-energy dance track showcasing a different side of Sia's musical range. The upbeat tempo and infectious melody were sure to make listeners get up and dance. It showcases her ability to create compelling tracks outside of her signature ballad style.

• "The Greatest": Featuring Kendrick Lamar, this track is a powerful and moving collaboration, highlighting both artists' strengths. It stands as a testament to Sia's ability to collaborate effectively and create something truly unique.

These are just a few examples; each track on This Is Acting contributes to the album's overall narrative and emotional depth. The album demonstrates Sia's ability to convey raw vulnerability and profound emotion through her songwriting and vocal performance, regardless of the intended recipient of the song.

The Album's Reception: Critical Acclaim and Commercial Success

This Is Acting received largely positive reviews upon its release. Critics praised Sia's songwriting skills, her vocal prowess, and the album's cohesive and emotionally resonant nature. While it didn't achieve the same commercial success as some of her previous albums, it solidified her position as a significant force in contemporary music. The album's success was particularly notable considering its unique origin story – a collection of songs originally intended for other artists, successfully transformed into a cohesive and emotionally powerful album under Sia's creative vision.

The album's success lies not just in its catchy melodies and powerful vocals, but also in its honest and relatable lyrics. The songs explore themes of heartbreak, self-discovery, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships, making them resonant with listeners across various backgrounds.

The Significance of This Is Acting: A Look Beyond the Surface

Beyond its commercial success and critical acclaim, This Is Acting holds significant importance for understanding Sia's artistic journey. It reveals a side of her creative process that is rarely seen, showcasing her versatility as a songwriter and her ability to craft compelling songs for a wide range of artists. It highlights her remarkable talent for understanding and capturing the essence of different musical styles and adapting her songwriting accordingly.

The album also challenges the conventional view of a "singer-songwriter" album. It subverts expectations by revealing the behind-the-scenes process of songwriting for other artists and demonstrating the versatility of a songwriter who is capable of creating hit songs for diverse musical styles and voices.

The album's title itself, "This Is Acting," speaks volumes about the nature of the project. It underscores the idea of inhabiting different personas and emotional landscapes through songwriting, a process that reflects the very essence of artistic expression. It's a performance, a carefully constructed portrayal of emotions and experiences, all achieved through the power of song.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• What makes This Is Acting unique? Its unique origin story – the songs were initially written for other artists – sets it apart. This approach allows for a wide range of styles and emotions that wouldn't typically be found in a typical Sia album.

• What are some of the most popular songs from This Is Acting? "Cheap Thrills," "Bird Set Free," and "Alive" are considered fan favorites and notable singles from the album.

• Did any of the songs written for other artists end up being released by those artists? Yes, "Diamonds" by Rihanna is a well-known example of a song Sia wrote that was successfully released by another artist.

• Why did Sia choose to release these rejected songs herself? It's likely a combination of factors, including a desire to share these powerful songs with her own audience and a recognition of their inherent artistic merit.

• How does This Is Acting compare to Sia's other albums? While retaining her signature vocal style and emotional depth, This Is Acting offers a broader stylistic range due to its varied origins, representing a departure from her typical solo works.

Conclusion: A Lasting Legacy of Undervalued Gems

This Is Acting stands as a testament to Sia's exceptional songwriting skills and her ability to create emotionally resonant music that transcends genre boundaries. It's an album that rewards repeated listening, revealing new layers of depth and complexity with each playthrough. More than just a collection of discarded songs, it is a compelling artistic statement, a unique exploration of creativity and collaboration, and a powerful reminder of Sia's immense talent and lasting impact on the music industry. It’s a reminder that even rejected works can hold immense artistic value, capable of resonating deeply with audiences and solidifying an artist's legacy in unexpected ways. This album continues to be celebrated by fans and critics alike, proving its enduring appeal and its place as a key piece in the puzzle of Sia’s diverse and impressive discography. It is a testament to the artistry of Sia and the power of embracing the unexpected in creative endeavors.