After releasing her debut album, You & I, in 2017, ALA.NI’s listenership went international, spreading from France to Germany to Turkey to the United States. The genre-defying singer was born in London and is currently based in Paris and after two years, she is releasing her second album. The lead single, “Sha La La,” provides a stunning and delicate example of all of ALA.NI’s signature traits. The track is mainly made up of vocals—typical of the artist, who typically favors a cappella or the slightest hint of instrumentation. Her voice can do anything; it reaches high and clear, drops to low and rumbling, and acts as percussion when needed. The effect is accomplished through an intricate layering of countless vocal tracks, so everything you are hearing is pure ALA.NI. Similarly, her lyrics are earnest, telling exactly what she is feeling: “All you told me really was a lie / It hurt me / Darling, you hurt me.” The song tells us a story of betrayal and walks us through the break-up and the struggle to move on. The melody, however, is upbeat and airy and the few instruments that are introduced are understated, bobbing contently along with the vocals. The juxtaposition leaves a wistful and bittersweet mark, as do her final, lovesick lines: “If I see you at a party / just dance with me / say you’ll still dance with me.” “Sha La La” is the first taste of ALA.NI’s upcoming sophomore album, ACCA.