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Pool is the debut studio album by American singer-songwriter Lena, released on March 19, 2021, through Deep End Records via Republic Records. The album received critical acclaim upon its release, with many praising Lena's mature songwriting and vocals despite her young age. The lead single, "Broken Dreams," was well-received, but it was the album's second single, "Electric Heart," that really put Lena on the map. The song received significant radio airplay and charted in the top 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The third single, "Lost in the Moment," was also a success, topping the charts and earning Lena several award nominations. The album stayed at #1 on the Billboard 200 for 10 weeks and continued to chart in the top 10 for an additional 30 weeks. The deluxe edition of the album was released on October 15, 2021, which included the chart-topping single "Moonlit Memories." Overall, "Pool" has been praised as a stunning debut from a talented artist who is sure to make a big impact in the music industry.

Background
Lena is an American singer-songwriter who rose to fame with her debut album "Pool". She was discovered by a record executive while playing the lead in a musical at her high school. After signing with a major record label, Lena began working on her debut album, which would ultimately become "Pool". She collaborated with producer Chipp on the project and spent several months recording and perfecting the tracks. The album's lead single, "Broken Dreams", was released in late 2020 and received positive reviews from critics. The second single, "Electric Heart", followed soon after and helped to build momentum for the album's eventual release. However, the release of "Pool" was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which disrupted the music industry and caused many artists to push back their album release dates. Despite this setback, Lena and Chipp continued to work on the album, fine-tuning the tracks and adding new material.

Writing and production
According to Lena, the album was inspired by the concept of water and its many forms, including pools, oceans, and rain. She said in interviews that she wanted the album to feel like a journey, with each song representing a different stage in a person's relationship with water.

Music and lyrics
Produced by Chipp, the album blends dreamy pop and electronic sounds, with introspective lyrics that explore the themes of youth, love, and self-discovery.

Dive In - The opening track of the album, "Dive In" is an ethereal song that sets the tone for the rest of the album. Lena's dreamy vocals are layered over a bed of ambient sounds, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The lyrics of the song are about taking risks and diving headfirst into new experiences.

Broken Dreams - With its pulsating beat and introspective lyrics, "Broken Dreams" is a standout track on the album. Lena's vocals are more subdued on this track, allowing the production to take center stage. The lyrics of the song are about heartbreak and the process of letting go.

Electric Heart - "Electric Heart" is an upbeat track that showcases Lena's vocal range. The song's chorus is catchy and infectious, with Lena singing about the ups and downs of falling in love. The production on this track is more upbeat and electronic than the previous two songs.

Reflections - "Reflections" is a haunting ballad that explores the theme of self-discovery. Lena's vocals are more vulnerable on this track, as she sings about the process of finding oneself and moving forward. The production on this track is more stripped-down, with a focus on piano and strings.

Night Swimming - One of the standout tracks on the album, "Night Swimming" features a upbeat production that allows Lena's vocals to shine. The song's lyrics are about taking risks and embracing the unknown. The production on this track is more atmospheric than the previous songs, with dreamy synths and a subtle beat.

Lost in the Moment - "Lost in the Moment" is a slow-burning ballad that showcases Lena's emotional depth and vocal range. The song's lyrics are about being present in the moment and cherishing life's fleeting moments. The production on this track is more acoustic than the previous songs, with a focus on guitar and piano.

Sunken Treasures - "Sunken Treasures" is a moody track that features Lena's vocals and the album's atmospheric production. The song's lyrics are about the fleeting nature of life and the importance of living in the moment. The production on this track is more experimental than the previous songs, with unusual sound effects and distortion.

Float Away - With its slow tempo and melancholic lyrics, "Float Away" is a standout track on the album. Lena's vocals are more vulnerable on this track, as she sings about finding solace in music and the power of escapism. The production on this track is more atmospheric than the previous songs, with dreamy synths and a subtle beat.

Waves - "Waves" is a bittersweet track that features a haunting melody and introspective lyrics. The song's lyrics are about the fleeting nature of youth and the importance of cherishing each moment. The production on this track is more stripped-down than the previous songs, with a focus on guitar and piano.

Depths - "Depths" is a haunting track that explores the theme of self-discovery. Lena's vocals are more subdued on this track, allowing the production to take center stage. The lyrics of the song are about the process of finding oneself and moving forward. The production on this track is more experimental than the previous songs, with unusual sound effects and distortion.

The Deep End - The final track on the album, "The Deep End" is a brooding track that features a powerful chorus and introspective lyrics about the struggles of growing up. Lena's vocals are more emotional on this track, as she sings about the challenges of adulthood. The production on this track is more upbeat and electronic than the previous songs

Deluxe Tracks:
Moonlit Memories - "Moonlit Memories" is a poignant and melancholic track that evokes feelings of nostalgia and longing. The song's ethereal sound and delicate piano melody set the tone for the introspective lyrics that explore the memories that shape us. Lena's emotive vocals add to the wistful atmosphere of the song as she sings about the bittersweet memories that linger in our minds long after they've passed.

Summer Nights - "Summer Nights" is a catchy and upbeat track that captures the carefree spirit of summertime. The song's pulsating beat and vibrant sound are infectious, making it impossible not to dance along. The lyrics are about the joys of being young and in love, with Lena singing about the freedom and excitement of summer nights spent with a special someone. The track is a perfect anthem for anyone who has ever felt the rush of summer love.

Pool - "Pool" is the title track of Lena's debut album and a standout song on the record. The song's dreamy pop sound and pulsating beat create an immersive soundscape that transports the listener to a place of healing and reflection. The lyrics are about the power of water and the importance of letting go. Lena's vocals are both soothing and powerful, conveying a sense of serenity and strength. The track is a beautiful ode to the therapeutic nature of water and its ability to wash away our troubles.

Blue - "Blue" is a haunting and emotional ballad that showcases Lena's vocal range and depth. The song's delicate piano melody and sparse production allow Lena's vocals to take center stage, giving the listener an intimate and raw experience. The lyrics are about the pain of heartbreak and the struggle to move on. Lena's vocals are filled with raw emotion as she sings about the despair of losing someone and the difficulty of trying to forget them. The track is a poignant reminder of the healing power of music and its ability to help us through difficult times.

Art direction
The art direction of "Pool" was a collaborative effort between Lena and a team of designers and creatives. The album cover features a photograph of Lena submerged in water, surrounded by floating flowers and leaves. The image was shot by renowned photographer Sarah Lee and styled by Zoe Costello.

The album's artwork was designed to reflect the album's themes of introspection and self-discovery, with Lena as the central focus of the image, surrounded by natural elements that evoke a sense of peace and tranquility. The use of muted tones and soft lighting creates a dreamy, ethereal quality that is carried throughout the album's visuals.

The album's interior artwork features additional photographs of Lena in various water settings, such as a pool and the ocean, as well as underwater shots that further explore the album's aquatic theme. The use of water in the album's art direction also ties into the album's overarching themes of reflection and renewal, with water serving as a metaphor for the ebb and flow of emotions and personal growth.

The design team behind the album's artwork also worked on the album's promotional materials, including posters, social media graphics, and music videos. They utilized the same soft, dreamy aesthetic to create a cohesive visual identity for the album that complemented its introspective and emotional content.

Overall, the art direction and artwork of "Pool" was a carefully crafted and thoughtfully executed visual representation of the album's themes and content, with Lena as the focal point of the album's introspective and tranquil visuals.

Release and promotion
Marketing for the album began in late 2020, with the release of the lead single "Broken Dreams" on March 13, 2020. The music video for the song was released on the same day, featuring Lena walking through a deserted cityscape. The single received positive reviews from music critics and gained traction on social media, leading to anticipation for the upcoming album.

In July of 2020, Lena released the second single from the album, "Electric Heart", accompanied by a music video featuring Lena in a neon-lit club. The song showcased a more uptempo and danceable side of Lena's music, and was well received by fans and critics alike.

In the lead up to the album's release, Lena released several teaser clips on social media, giving fans a glimpse of the album's artwork and visual direction. The album cover features Lena submerged in a pool of water, with the album title displayed in bold, black letters.

Upon release, "Pool" received critical acclaim, with many critics praising Lena's songwriting and vocals. The album's themes of self-discovery, love, and loss were also noted. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 chart, making Lena the youngest solo artist to achieve this feat in over a decade.

To promote the album, Lena embarked on a series of virtual performances known as the "Pool Sessions". These intimate shows took place in small venues and featured stripped-down versions of the album's tracks, showcasing Lena's raw vocal ability and the album's strong songwriting. Footage from these sessions was later released online, generating buzz among fans who were unable to attend the shows.

In September of 2021, Lena announced the upcoming release of a deluxe edition of "Pool", featuring several new tracks that fit with the album's overall vibe. The release of the deluxe edition and the new single "Moonlit Memories" brought the album back to the top of the charts, showcasing the enduring popularity of Lena's music.

In June of 2022, Lena embarked on The Blue Tour.

Critical response
Lena's debut album "Pool" was met with critical acclaim upon its release. The album's unique blend of alternative and pop sounds, captivating vocals, and relatable lyrics drew widespread praise from music critics.

Rolling Stone described "Pool" as a "refreshing take on pop music," highlighting Lena's ability to deliver a cohesive and original album. Billboard called the album a "triumph of modern pop music," noting Lena's infectious beats and thoughtful lyrics.

Pitchfork praised "Pool" as a journey through the ups and downs of young adulthood, commending Lena's relatable lyrics and catchy melodies. NME echoed this sentiment, calling the album a "promising debut" that showcases Lena's talent and potential.

The Guardian described "Pool" as a mesmerizing debut that explores the complexities of young love and self-discovery. Lena's haunting vocals and ethereal production were noted as standout features of the album, creating a dream-like atmosphere that draws the listener in.

Lena's debut album 'Pool' received positive reviews from music critics. On review aggregator Metacritic, the album holds a score of 78 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable reviews".

Overall, Lena's "Pool" is seen as a solid debut effort that showcases her unique sound and songwriting abilities. The album's critical reception is a testament to Lena's talent and potential as a major force in the pop music genre.

Commercial performance
Lena's debut album "Pool" was released on March 19, 2021, and quickly made an impact on the charts. The album debuted at #1 on the US Billboard 200, and #3 on the UK Albums Chart, cementing Lena's status as a rising star in the music industry.

The album's lead single, "Broken Dreams," was released on March 13, 2020, and peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100. The follow-up single, "Electric Heart," was released on July 2, 2020, and reached #5 on the chart. "Lost in the Moment," released on December 4, 2020, and "Float Away," released on March 19, 2021, both reached #1 on the chart, further solidifying Lena's chart success.

"Pool" received critical acclaim upon release, with a Metacritic score of 78 based on reviews. Rolling Stone praised the album's unique blend of alternative and pop sounds, while Billboard hailed it as a triumph of modern pop music. Pitchfork noted the album's cohesive and relatable themes, while The Guardian praised Lena's mesmerizing vocals and ethereal production.

The album's success was due in part to its strong marketing and promotion. Lena worked closely with her team to create striking visuals and immersive social media campaigns, engaging with fans and building excitement for the album's release. The album's cover art, featuring Lena floating in a pool of water, became an iconic image associated with the album.

As Lena's debut album, "Pool" was a major achievement, showcasing her talent and potential as a rising star in the music industry. The album's success and critical acclaim set the stage for Lena's future releases and cemented her status as a force to be reckoned with in the pop music scene.

Accolades
Lena's debut album "Pool" has received critical acclaim since its release in March 2021. The album has garnered several accolades, including nominations for prestigious music awards.

At the 2022 Grammy Awards, "Pool" was nominated for Best Pop Vocal Album, and the lead single "Broken Dreams" was nominated for Best Pop Solo Performance. While the album did not win in either category, the nominations served as a testament to the impact that Lena had made with her debut effort.

The album was also nominated for Album of the Year and Best New Artist at the 2021 MTV Video Music Awards, and Lena performed a medley of "Electric Heart" and "Lost in the Moment" during the show.

Additionally, the album received multiple nominations at the 2021 American Music Awards, including Favorite Pop/Rock Album and Favorite Pop/Rock Female Artist. Lena performed a stripped-down version of "Float Away" during the awards ceremony.

In addition to these award nominations, "Pool" has been included on several year-end lists by music publications. Rolling Stone named it one of the Best Pop Albums of 2021, praising Lena's unique blend of alternative and pop sounds, while Pitchfork included it on their list of the Best Experimental Albums of 2021, citing Lena's innovative approach to songwriting and production.