Places is the first major musical project from
Lea Michele since the end of Glee and it is strikingly different from its predecessor, Louder. Where that 2014 album found
Michele working hard to appeal to the pop mainstream,
Places is a measured collection of mature pop that falls halfway between Broadway showstoppers and inspirational
Katy Perry numbers. Every one of these tracks is given a high-gloss production, constructed out of sheets of synthesizers, pianos, and overdubbed vocals -- all signifying grand power. The songs all march to a stately midtempo beat and rely on melodies designed to showcase the full range of
Michele's vocal prowess. The album seems like an extended suite of empowerment. By that measure,
Places can be considered a success.
Lea Michele intended to tap into the spirit of
Katy Perry's "Roar" and
Rachel Platten's "Fight Song," and there's no question that she achieved that goal. ~ Stephen Thomas Erlewine