Disney Channel icon-turned pop powerhouse Demi Lovato returns to the spotlight with “It’s Not That Deep,” a collection of dance-pop tracks that mark both personal growth and artistic evolution. After years of pouring her soul into emotional ballads like “Stone Cold” and “Sober,” Lovato finally steps onto the dance floor — and she’s never sounded freer.
The album opens with “Fast” and “Here All Night,” tracks that channel the glossy, hyperpop energy of Charli XCX. Layered synths, glitched-out vocal effects, and pulsing beats introduce Lovato’s new sound: confident, surreal and irresistibly catchy. There’s a party-girl flair to these songs, but beneath the glitter lies something more meaningful — an artist embracing joy without apology.
That energy carries into the middle stretch with “Little Bit” and “Say It,” two of the album’s most infectious moments. Their lush harmonies and vibrant rhythms make listeners feel like they’re levitating. Meanwhile, “Frequency” doubles down on rhythm, layering a heavy drum beat with electronic textures that make it one of the most danceable songs to date.
Even more somber moments never lose their buoyancy. “Let You Go” and “In My Head” explore heartbreak and emotional release, yet their ethereal production turns sadness into something transcendent. Lovato’s incredible vocals — powerful, controlled and impossibly expressive — remind listeners that healing doesn’t always have to be quiet or slow, but can be loud and filled with glitter.
The album’s emotional centerpiece arrives with “Sorry to Myself,” “Before I Knew You” and “Ghost” — songs that reflect self-love, resilience and recovery. They balance vulnerability with strength, giving the record a grounded core amid its dance-pop sheen. Then there’s “Kiss,” whose hyper-rhythmic chorus evokes Charli XCX and Billie Eilish’s experimental edges, showing Lovato’s knack for blending mainstream pop with futuristic flair.
“It’s Not That Deep” ultimately captures a woman reclaiming her joy after years defined by pain and public struggle. The result feels like a late-night catharsis — swaying from side to side on a crowded dance floor, heart healing one beat at a time.
Drawing influence from pop titans like Katy Perry and Lady Gaga, while nodding to modern innovators like Tate McRae and Addison Rae, Lovato crafts a record that bridges generations of pop. It’s vibrant, empowering and deeply human.
If you’re recovering from heartbreak — or are looking to dance the sadness away — “It’s Not That Deep” will have you throwing a late-night solo dance party, roommate be damned.
Rating: 5/5