Emerging R&B singer/songwriter Alex Vaughn has released her debut project, The Hurtbook, via LVRN/Interscope Records.
The project features production by Rodney Jerkins, Camper and DJ Money. It includes the previously released tracks “Mirage” and “Talkin.”
Across the project’s eight tracks, Vaughn pours her heart out as she processes a breakup and proceeds to move on with life. She opens with the Jerkins-produced “So Be It,” where she tries to come to terms with ending a relationship. “So be it / It’s been a hard time adjusting / So be it / Instead of letting me know, you kept secrets,” she sings.
“Keep That Energy” is a kiss-off anthem that hears Vaughn dismissing her ex who wants to right his wrongs. “Don’t be trying to come to me / Crying on my shoulder / Really you did this to yourself / Don’t be surprised now,” Vaughn sings on the track.
As much as Vaughn tries to push away her ex, she finds herself missing him on the EP’s centerpiece, “Do You Ever,” which she co-wrote with Reggie Becton. Vaughn sings in the chorus, “Do you ever find yourself feeling incomplete / Do you ever wanna pick up your keys / And drive home to me.”
Vaughn closes The Hurtbook with “No Love (Outro),” where she ultimately decides to give up on love. It features commentary from comedian Jay Cole, who gives Vaughn a pep talk to boost her spirits.
“Girl, chin up, chest out. Snap out of that depressed sh*t. Walk him like a dog, sis. Our mothers raised us right,” says Cole. “Stop breaking your heart by exaggerating your place in other people’s lives. They don’t even deserve you…stop trying to make everybody happy. You ain’t tequila, b*tch.”
Speaking on The Hurtbook, Vaughn shares, “The project started off as a compilation of thoughts from an old relationship but grew into a quilted map of patterns and events that applied to more than just romance. It’s about being honest with yourself and how you feel about those changes that are happening. Most importantly it’s a reminder that though these series of events may have hurt you, you are not broken.”
The Hurtbook is the follow-up to Vaughn’s EP, Voice Notes, which she released in May. All three tracks were written, composed and recorded by Vaughn, who is a classically trained pianist. “These are all from different stages of my life and my growth, figuring out how to articulate my emotions,” Vaughn said to Rated R&B about Voice Notes.
The Hurtbook may not be Vaughn’s major label debut album, but it sure checks all the boxes for one.
Stream Alex Vaughn’s new project The Hurtbook below.
