Maria Mena

Charming Norwegian pop sensation Maria Mena makes her American debut with "You're the Only One," which will also appear on her full-length domestic debut, White Turns Blue. It's a great track musically, guided by an acoustic guitar lilt and shimmery synth textures that set up the big chorus. But it's Mena's vocal that are most inviting, especially her chatty asides in the verses. Unlike her American pop princess peers (Hilary Duff, et al.), Mena doesn't sugarcoat adolescent experimentation. But while she's not afraid to sing lines like "You're the only one who/Holds my hair back/When I'm drunk and get sick," Mena's delivery is still wide-eyed and effortless. Her mix of emotionally rich pragmatism with lighthearted amiability is delightful, and only heightened by "Only One"'s inviting pop whir. [The single also included "Patience" and "Sleep to Dream," two Mena tracks from previous, Norway-only releases.] ~ Johnny Loftus, All Music Guide