REVIEW: Dia Frampton "Red"

Having already had a pretty successful career fronting the band Meg & Dia with her sister, Dia Frampton was a surprise to appear on NBC's "The Voice" during their first season. But it quickly became apparent that Dia Frampton is an incredibly different musician when out on her own. Her striking renditions of familiar songs on the show only proved that, despite coming in second, she was sure to showcase her unique twist on a indie-influenced pop through the release of her debut solo album. Framtpon, who cowrote every song on the album, showcases all the different edges and facets of her musical personality from start to finish. A departure, her duet with "Voice" coach Blake Shelton, is the only left field track on the album that seemingly spends its entire duration in left field. Cowriters like Foster The People's Marc Foster and rapper Kid Cudi are surprises on the disc, and their songs "Billy The Kid" and "Don't Kick The Chair" (which features a verse by Kid Cubi) are standouts on the album. Showing off her true musical self, the first single "The Broken Ones," and the songs "Isabella" and "Daniel" are deep and intimate. They showcase not only her excellent lyricism, but also her connection to her music making it emotional and personal. Frampton may have been the runner up, but her musical shops and her new solo album have proven that she has quiet star power and will always be known for her musical creation and not her triumphant successes.