"The Pains of Growing Up" Shows Alessia Cara In A Whole New Light And That Is Good For The Growing Generation
Growing up is an exhilarating experience. The thrill of being free, of being undisturbed, and having the ability to do whatever you want and almost get away with it. The thrill of having to be cared for, cherished, protected and loved. It is a period filled with love and warm affection. A period when you're being groomed and guided to become the best you can possibly become and achieve your best dreams. Sometimes I wish that I could relive my childhood. But as much as it is sweet and lovely, growing up comes with a lot of work. It is filled with uncertainties and responsibilities. Uncertainties in the sense that you are in constant awe of yourself and your body due to its developmental process and do not know the next surprise it might whip up soon. And responsibilities in the sense that as you continue to grow, soon you can no longer get away with your vices, but will be made to face them and make them right. As if that isn't enough, your heart comes with the greatest surprise ever, springing up with a different kind of affection that is different from the ones you've experienced all your life, but beautiful in its own way. This kind of affection is emotional and free. It is a beautiful feeling of wanting to love a total stranger and be loved back, but it becomes painful when that love is not returned. Everyone experiences these and Alessia Cara is not an exception. Her second studio album, "The Pains of Growing Up", beautifully documents her experiences while growing up. The 15-track album shifts attention from the usual love stories Alessia Cara is known for to something more personal; the troubles and pains she experienced as a teenager and how they affected her, but also how her decisions and the paths she followed eventually turned out for her.