Perfect Pitch: The Provocateur

Belmont Vision Multimedia, Zach Watkins

Perfect Pitch: “The Provocateur" 

Welcome back to another edition of “Perfect Pitch,” a series where members of the Belmont Vision review the latest releases in music and look for the next big thing.   

This week, we’ll be discussing the debut EP from Slavic singer-songwriter, Adéla, “The Provocateur." 

Adéla initially made waves in the entertainment industry as a competitor on “The Debut: Dream Academy,” an eight-part reality show between record labels Hybe and Geffen Records focused on creating a pop-centered girl group. Although she was one of the first candidates to be eliminated, Adéla was the first of the group to launch her solo career, releasing her first single “Homewrecked” in September of 2024 followed by singles “SUPERSCAR” and “DeathByDevotion.” 

“The Provocateur,” released in August, explores themes of ambition, sexuality, defiance against the music industry and public perception. Influenced by pop icons such as Grimes, Brittany Spears, Lady Gaga and Charlie XCX, Adéla employs an explorative electropop sound throughout the album, complimenting her striking and provocative visuals. Alongside powerful vocals, Adéla showcases her dancing skills in music videos, “SexOnTheBeat,” “Superscare,” “Machine Girl” and “DeathByDevotion.” Two months after “The Provocateur" hit the charts, it has already accumulated over 45 million streams on Spotify. 

Haley Ramsey - Social Media Editor 

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

General Thoughts: 

“The Provocateur” was some of my favorite music to come out in the last few years. One of my best friends showed Adéla’s music to me, and ever since then, I’ve been obsessed. The EP fits into a niche of pop that is both addictively melodic and vocal-heavy with a very electric production style. Often, when I listen to hyper-pop, which I think “The Provocateur” falls into, the catchy beats and carefree tone translate to simple and emotionally shallow lyrics that don’t mean much more to the artist than they do to their listeners. Adéla’s music couldn’t be further from that. Her songwriting is just as vulnerable as it is sonically captivating. Lyrics like “Fair, you left at fifteen/Amеrican dream/came crashin' down/look who's homewrecked now” show a sensitivity to Adela that many seasoned artists haven’t even accomplished. Even the story told in “SUPERSCAR” expresses a completely different side than audiences saw on “The Debut: Dream Academy,” from which the group KATSEYE was born. Since her dramatic exit, the pop starlet has proved not only that she can stand alone in the industry but that she actually thrives solo. The only negative thing I have to say about “The Provocateur” is that I wish it were longer, but since it’s an EP, I wouldn’t expect more than what she already gave.

Favorite Song: “DeathByDevotion” and ”SUPERSCAR”

Least Favorite Song: None

Favorite Lyric: “Don't stop, I keep it goin'/stuck in perpetual motion/turnstile, my ego shows/sentenced to death by devotion” and “Young and naive/hate how I couldn't see/and now I've got a rotten, ugly rage inside of me”

How is Adéla establishing herself as an artist with her debut EP, “The Provocateur?"

On her debut EP, Adéla proves she deserves a place in the spotlight. Not only does she know exactly the kind of music she wants to make, but with her background as a dancer and her clear creative direction, Adéla knows what it takes to forge an entire musical concept rather than just a collection of songs. Her influences range from Hannah Montana and Britney Spears to Prince and Charlie XCX, and these can each be picked out of her own sound throughout “The Provocateur.” In an interview for MTV, she shared that growing up in Slovakia, watching Disney Channel and listening to Western pop music led her to believe she could do exactly what her idols were doing. 

“I am in pursuit of greatness, and I would love to do that one day and to be that one day.”

“The Provocateur” encompasses all the best aspects of current pop music, and I’m excited to watch Adéla keep growing and transforming as an artist.

Samantha Graessle - Arts and Entertainment Editor 

Overall Rating: 8/10 

General Thoughts:

This album feels refreshingly unique, pushing the boundaries of pop in a way that’s both bold and personal. Through honest and clever lyrics, Adéla takes aim at the music industry while opening up about her own experiences in it, showing a mix of strength and vulnerability that’s hard to ignore. The upbeat, dance-pop sound pulls you in right away; it’s catchy and familiar, yet still completely her own. You can hear echoes of pop legends in her work, but Adéla brings something new and exciting to the table. Each song also brings a unique sound to the EP while still feeling cohesive. 

Favorite Song: “SUPERSCAR” 

Least Favorite Song: “Homewrecked” 

Favorite Lyric: “She’s the product of distortion, brutalistic in her own ways.” 

How is Adéla establishing herself as an artist with her debut EP “The Provocateur?"

“The Provocateur” is a striking debut EP that makes it clear Adéla is here to stay. However with this project she’s also making a statement of intent and identity. Across each track, she shows off her individuality and creative fire, blending honesty, edge, and emotion in a way that feels completely her own. Adéla isn’t interested in fitting into anyone else’s mold, she’s unapologetically setting her own tone. 

Name: Greer Patten - Photography Editor

Overall Rating: 7/10

General Thoughts: 

“The Provocateur" is a really unique album, but it definitely has a spot in mainstream music. Adéla’s style is something that is not something we tend to hear everyday, but it is a really refreshing change. Her vocals are extremely prominent and strong, while also having strong and unique beats throughout the songs. Each song brings something new to the album, which is something that is uncommon in pop music now. I wish there was more to the album though. With only 19 minutes of music, it almost feels incomplete and I really could have used some more songs to really round out the album. 

Favorite Song: “MachineGirl”

Least Favorite Song: “Homewrecked’

Favorite Lyric: “​​I don't really call home lately/Dye my hair pink, I’m so crazy/Break my ends like it's whatever/Maybe I'll just chase forever” 

How is Adéla establishing herself as an artist with her debut EP “The Provocateur?"

Adéla has definitely started to make a name for herself because of “The Provocateur” and the unique character it brings into the music scene. The album showcases so many of her strengths, including vocals, beats and overall feel of the songs. The album is very cohesive, while each song has a different feel. With many albums now, it feels like I am listening to the same song over and over, and Adéla has done an amazing job of doing the opposite. The album is very engaging and has created a great foundation for her solo career.