Imagine you’re watching Teen Nick Top 10 when Nick Cannon, a proud Howard University graduate, introduces the top songs chosen by teens across the country. Suddenly, Here by Alessia Cara appears on screen. The scene is dark, bathed in deep purple hues, with a smoky haze and abstract visuals—marking the arrival of a fresh teen perspective. When it was released in 2015, Here skyrocketed to No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100, solidifying Cara as a voice for young listeners navigating life’s uncertainties. She continues to evoke raw emotion in her latest album, Love & Hyperbole. Through this project, she captures the complexity of love and life, giving voice to emotions often left unsaid.

Her debut single, Here has been certified triple Platinum in both the U.S. and Canada, now surpassing 600 million streams—a testament to its lasting impact. Ten years later, released on Valentine’s Day, Love & Hyperbole is deeply influenced by the 1960s and ’70s sounds of artists like Stevie Wonder and Otis Redding. The album delves into the layers of love, exploring not just romance but also heartbreak, loss, and the beauty that remains even when love fades.

In a February 11 press conference hosted by Universal Music Group, Cara reflected on her writing process, creative flow, and vision for the project. Her message was clear: no matter how love begins, the journey itself is beautiful and worthwhile.

“We see pain, loss, joy, and love as separate things, but I believe contrast in life is important,” Cara explained. “You can’t truly understand love and joy without experiencing loss and pain—and vice versa.”

This theme is reflected throughout her album’s visuals, teasers, and cover art, each piece encapsulating the emotional depth of her music. Her voice serves as a paintbrush, blending emotions, melodies, and sonic textures, transforming each song into its own immersive world.

 “I was really excited to create mini visuals and mini worlds for each song,” she shared.

The album cover embodies this contrast. It features two figures—both representations of herself—grasping onto each other, preventing one another from falling. It’s a striking image of both connection and conflict. Cara elaborated on its meaning. 

“There are two sides to Love & Hyperbole, and I wanted to represent their duality. But I also think this specific image is rooted in trust—having your own back. If one person lets go, they both fall. The sentiment I wanted to express is that we often tie our emotions to whether love works out. But in reality, love—and life—isn’t about guaranteeing a happy ending. It’s about trusting that even if things don’t work out, you will still be okay.” Further emphasizing, 

“Trust in love and life is trusting in yourself and kinda the sense of having your own back” she said.

With Love & Hyperbole, Alessia Cara once again proves her ability to translate complex emotions into music that resonates. Critics have lauded the album's depth and artistry, with Sputnikmusic awarding it 4.5 out of 5 stars, stating: "Barely weeks removed from a Grammy Awards ceremony where every premier girl pop album from last year vied for top honors, Love & Hyperbole is just in a different class compared to the rest of them." 

In support of the album, Cara announced the Love & Hyperbole Tour, set to begin on April 6, 2025, at the Orpheum Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts. The tour will include a performance at The Anthem in Washington, D.C., on April 8, 2025. Fans have expressed their excitement on social media platforms, with many praising the album's exploration of love and its complexities. Through a blend of nostalgic sonics and modern storytelling, Cara reminds us that love, in all its forms, is worth experiencing—no matter the outcome.