Elijah Woods Releases Debut Album, Can We Talk?
Photo by: Austin Calvello
Pop artist Elijah Woods has officially released his highly anticipated debut album, Can We Talk? This project marks a new chapter for Woods, showcasing his growth from viral singles and EPs to a full body of work, combining vulnerable songwriting with catchy pop production. Woods has built a worldwide following, opening for Niall Horan, selling out headline tours across Canada and Asia, and performing at major festivals. Now, the singer-songwriter channels that momentum into Can We Talk?, an album that captures his ability to turn personal reflection into pop anthems.
Can We Talk? is full of pop bangers. All 11 tracks deliver catchy melodies, glossy textures, and layered pop production. The album begins with “So Good,” a high-energy pop track. The layered vocals and lush production make it a standout track and a perfect opening to the album. “‘So Good’ is about that feeling when someone walks into your life and suddenly everything feels lighter, easier, and better than you expected–the craving for something you just can’t get over," Woods explains. Woods keeps the momentum going with “Could You Love Me?” This song was released as Woods’s first single on the album earlier this year. It has that classic pop sound with punchy drums and a steady, yet playful, rhythm. Lyrically, it explores a one-sided relationship and the desire for connection. The album takes an emotional pivot with the track “Cutting the Grass,” which reflects on Woods’s career and journey. The song’s sound is dominated by acoustic guitar and Woods’s soft vocals. The album continues in this similar tone with “Stay Home,” a song about feeling socially drained and not wanting to go out. This is one of the most relatable tracks in my opinion, as Woods’ lyrics perfectly capture the struggle of balancing personal energy with social expectations. The understated percussion and mellow synths mimic an exhausted feeling. The album picks back up again with vibrant guitars and an upbeat melody on “Slicked Back Hair.” Released just last month, it has quickly become a fan favorite. This track creates a fun and playful energy shift in the album. Finally, Woods ends his debut with the song, “That’s All Folks.” The buildup in this track makes it the most intriguing on the album. It starts very slowly, with Woods’s vocals as the focal point until it fades out. However, right as you think the song is ending, the intense sound of an electric guitar breaks through. The sound continues to build with synths and heavy drums, ending with the repeated line, “goodbye my friend more at the end,” and the closing question, “Is this the end?” making for a dramatic and emotional finish.
Can We Talk? is an extremely solid debut with a clean, established pop sound. The album demonstrates Woods’s ability to combine introspective songwriting with polished production, resulting in tracks that are both catchy and emotionally resonant. I recommend this one for anyone who is a fan of LANY, Troye Sivan, and Lauv. Woods is gearing up for a couple of shows in December in NYC and Los Angeles. You can purchase ticketshere. Make sure to check out Can We Talk? anywhere you can stream music.
