It’s Not That Deep: Chapter 1 by Ari Hicks encapsulates the electronic dance and beat-heavy music this generation loves.
Arianna Hicks, who goes by “Ari Hicks” or “ARI,” is a Canadian singer born in Toronto, Canada, on January 25th, 1999. She began her career in 2016 when she featured on a single by Waves called “More,” but didn’t come out with her first song until 2020, called “Nothin But A Monster.” Her first album/EP is It’s Not That Deep: Chapter 1, which was released in August 2022. Ari is also a model and was featured on the cover of Love Magazine, which Kendall Jenner shot. Before Hicks became a singer, she was a committed track athlete and got a bronze medal in her state.
It’s Not That Deep: Chapter 1 provides various inputs on relationships and how they aren’t always easy. The lyrics and beat synchronize in each song and let Ari’s shimmery vocals shine in the mix. I appreciate how there are only six songs within this album and that they are all less than three minutes long but more than a minute so the listeners can truly enjoy and absorb each one effectively. Some songs are quite lyrically repetitive, such as “Shut Up and Look Pretty” and “Two Sides.” This is great for listeners to follow along with the songs, but for other listeners, it can create a lack of lyrical depth.
Two songs on the album that caught my attention were “Two Sides” and “Pull Your Tooth,” primarily because of the lyrics and the beats. “Two Sides” starts by stating the song’s name twice, indicating that the person Ari is referencing is two-faced. The person is consistently switching up how they act, which can be relatable for anyone who has encountered someone like this. It has a catchy beat and a chiming sound that pops in, bringing out a lovely melody. “Pull Your Tooth” discusses cancel culture and how Ari is on top and will come crashing down on scammers and posers who try to fake their way through fame while she’s keeping it real. The lyrics are repetitive, but their simplicity makes sense to get the quick message across about toxicity with non-authentic influencers. The lyrics match the clunky beats to highlight the intensity she’s portraying. She also raps more in this song which is a nice change in the vocals.
This album is short and sweet, with creative catchy beats and simple lyrics. I wouldn’t typically listen to these heavy pop feminist-type songs, but they are definitely something I could get down to at a club, party or social gathering.
