Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Alessia Cara has released a new album titled “Love or Lack Thereof,” which reinterprets her most popular songs using jazz and soul arrangements [1, 2, 3].

The project marks a significant stylistic shift for the artist, moving away from contemporary pop toward a timeless musicality. By revisiting her catalog through a new lens, Cara explores the emotional depth of her previous work while challenging the expectations of her audience.

During a Zoom interview with FOX 35’s Garrett Wymer, Cara discussed the creative process behind the anniversary album [4, 5]. She said the jazz-soul reinterpretations were designed to showcase a different side of her artistry and provide a fresh perspective on the hits that defined her early career [1, 2, 3].

Beyond the musical arrangements, Cara used the platform to address the current state of the music industry. She said she is frustrated with how music promotion has evolved in recent years [3, 6]. The singer noted that the pressure to maintain a constant digital presence and adhere to specific promotional cycles can detract from the actual art of songwriting.

Cara’s history in the industry includes significant critical acclaim, including winning the Grammy for Best New Artist in 2018 [3]. This new project serves as both a celebration of her past successes and a critique of the modern machinery used to sell music to the public.

The album blends sophisticated instrumentation with Cara's signature vocal style, creating a bridge between modern pop sensibilities and classic soul traditions [1, 2].

““Love or Lack Thereof” reinterprets her biggest hits with jazz and soul arrangements.”

Cara's pivot to a jazz-soul format suggests a growing trend among pop artists to distance themselves from the 'viral' nature of modern hits. By reimagining her work as timeless standards, she is attempting to decouple her artistic legacy from the algorithmic pressures of the current streaming era.