Singer Elle Varner released her debut album Perfectly Imperfect today, but her musical talent would have you believe she was a well seasoned veteran, and to some extent she is. The Los Angeles native and [fellow] New York University alum has music in her veins. Growing up with parents in the industry, Varner started singing as soon as she could speak and soon after began learning to play a variety of instruments including piano and guitar. Fast-forward to today, and you can clearly see the fruits of Elle's musical childhood. Perfectly Imperfect is a heartfelt throwback to the 90's era R&B albums that Varner no doubt grew up listening to. Against all the techno-heavy pop music of late, Varner's soulful, raspy voice and honest lyrics are a refreshing reprieve. With a slim and trim tracklisting of 11 songs, Elle showcases her vocal strength, while baring her emotional vulnerability. This kind of paradox is where Elle excels. She is just as convincing as aggressive on the track "Sound Proof Room" as she is as shy and "terrified" on "Not Tonight." The latter is hands down the album's best vocal performance. However, the recording doesn't begin to compare to the live rendition I watched Elle perform at New York's S.O.B.'s earlier this year. That live performance is more evidence that Varner is of a rare breed. Perfectly Imperfect is an honest portrait of a rising star.
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