Ava Della Pietra is already luminous, but I think her new single “rearview mirror” will further solidify her growing reputation as one of the most talented pop singers/songwriters working today. She’s already logged considerable time to make such a statement possible. She’s been singing since an early age and commanded important roles in national touring productions such as Les Miserables, White Christmas, and the original Broadway staging of School of Rock before age ten.
I am certain her theatrical experience prepared her for pop music success. She made a big splash with her debut 2022 EP truth or truth and continues building on its momentum. Ava never stays in one place for long. Her prolific output never risks mediocrity as each new single demonstrates another side of her surging creativity. Ava cites influences such as Billie Eilish, OneRepublic, The Jonas Brothers, Selena Gomez, Ed Sheeran, and Maroon 5 among her models, but “rearview mirror” serves notice that she isn’t beholden to any of those artists. I hear her forging ahead with a distinctive voice.
It’s a voice manifesting itself in myriad ways. Her songwriting voice asserts itself more than ever with this new single. “rearview mirror” kicks off in an attention-grabbing fashion. Her singing lands with no preamble and is accompanied by a sternum-rattling bass pulse. Ava doesn’t dress up the musical arrangement with much more than that. The added percussion that comes in doubles down on the intensely rhythmic character of the track.
Building “rearview mirror” in such a way forces listeners to devote the bulk of their attention towards her vocals. This isn’t a bad thing. Ava is a dazzling singer who throws herself into the performance without reservation, and the sheer variety powering her phrasing further distinguishes the cut. I’m impressed by many things with “rearview mirror,” but arguably the most impressive aspect of the single is the seemingly bottomless riches she discovers in her voice.
It would be a much paler offering in the hands of a lesser performer. I attribute much of that to the hand she has in composing the track. The lyrical content sounds drawn from personal experience. It isn’t painfully or embarrassingly autobiographical. However, there’s no question that she’s writing about a situation listeners can relate to firsthand or have witnessed. The pure conversational tilt of the language is a perfect fit for the songwriting and doesn’t mince words.
Topping it off is an outstanding music video that underscores the song’s strengths while highlighting another side of Ava;s performing talents. Watching this clip makes it obvious why Ava was such an early theatrical success. She has an innate charisma that draws your eyes to her and communicates with a naturalness akin to breathing. The evocative yet straightforward staging of the video and solid supporting performances are capstones to an already excellent companion piece.
Ava Della Pietra is a star. Not one in the making, but one who has arrived. Let’s bask in her radiant talents for as long as we can.
Mindy McCall