Album Review: Passion by Ela (2011)
Ela’s Passion, released in 2011, is one of those albums that sneaks up on you. With its mix of Pop/Rock, Alternative, and a splash of Gothic Metal vibes, it’s like a moody teenager who also happens to have killer taste in melodies. Released across the US, Germany, and Switzerland under labels No Cut and NoCut, this record straddles genres without ever feeling like it's trying too hard—which is kind of impressive.
The album kicks off with "It's Over," and honestly? That track sticks with me. It’s got this raw, defiant energy that feels like breaking free from something heavy. The lyrics are simple but hit home—like when you’re done with someone or something toxic, and all you can say is “it’s over.” There’s no sugarcoating here; just pure catharsis wrapped in crunchy guitars and haunting vocals. Every time I hear it, I’m reminded of slamming doors and fresh starts, which isn’t always a bad thing.
Another standout for me is "Why Can't I." This one hits different because it's so dang relatable. You know those moments where you're stuck in your own head, questioning everything? Yeah, that’s this song. The melody is catchy enough to hum along to while wallowing on your couch, but there’s an underlying sadness that makes it feel real. Plus, the production has this atmospheric edge that screams Gothic Metal influence, even though it’s more pop than anything else.
Now, let’s talk about repetition. Tracks like "Out Of Time" and "When You're Done" show up twice—and yeah, at first glance, it feels a bit lazy. But if you think about it, maybe it’s intentional? Like these songs are echoes bouncing back at you, refusing to be ignored. Or maybe they ran out of material. Who knows?
One thing’s for sure: Passion doesn’t shy away from emotion. Whether it’s heartbreak, anger, or hope ("The Sun Will Shine Again"—cheesy title, beautiful message), Ela pours her soul into every track. And sure, some parts might feel a little rough around the edges, but isn’t that what makes music human?
Here’s the unexpected part: listening to Passion made me realize how much we crave honesty in art. In a world full of polished TikTok hits and algorithm-friendly playlists, this album feels refreshingly unfiltered. So grab your headphones, dim the lights, and let Ela remind you what it means to feel deeply—even if it hurts a little.
Oh, and fun fact: whoever decided to include two versions of “Who’ll Stop The Rain” clearly had a sense of humor. Or a typo problem. Either way, rock on.
