Demi Lovato and Sam Fischer’s latest collaboration ‘What Other People Say’ treads through familiar territory in classic pop fashion. Lovato has built a reputation of powering each and every song with her dramatic, euphoric, and oft over-the-top vocals, and she does so again to great effect.

The composition is packed with emotion and reflection, but the tried-and-true melody simply doesn’t have legs for a lasting chart success; it’s rather too formulaic to invoke anything but a short-term reaction. Nevertheless, the song leans into its somber themes without pulling any punches. The lyrics seem to touch upon substance abuse, addiction, and family estrangement, but the insinuations don’t get too heavy-handed and remain digestible for the general audience. 

For the most part, the instrumentation is centered around a couple of sharp and steady piano chords that provide excellent support to Lovato’s ever-fluctuating tempo. The rhythm accelerates as we approach the chorus, and there is a clear verve to how Lovato tackles the chorus. There’s also some light percussion in the background that echoes that of a gospel arrangement, but for the most part, it’s the piano doing the heavy lifting during the pre-chorus. However, during the chorus, there is a vigorous escalation of claps and drums, which heightens the angelic production and the religious impulses that reverberate throughout. 

Sam Fischer’s pop background comes in handy in his verse; each note is imbued with a great deal of affectation and pain. It’s a short but sweet segment that leaves you begging for more, so when the chorus does arrive in the form of a duet, you wish that the two were able to croon their own parts for just a tad longer. Yet the stellar production makes the whole track immensely compelling, especially following the bridge — Lovato launches a breathtaking solo and dives into so many mindblowing vocal runs, each conveying entire spectrums of emotions and experiences. 

Speaking on working with Demi Lovato, the Australian singer-songwriter said, “It's a real gift for her to be able to share everything she's been through, because I Imagine every time she thinks about it and every time she talks about it, it hurts..”

Author: Joe Sharratt

Joe Sharratt is a writer and journalist based in the UK covering music, literature, sport, and travel.