Amira Jazeera Chronicles Her Chaotic Early 20s on Debut Album

Many people roll their 20s through a sugar coating of nostalgia, but this is not the case for Amira Jazeera. The Palestinian-American pop princess, always loud and proud, rides her early ‘20s rollercoaster on a soul-freeing debut, purely unapologetic and honest.

Titled ‘The Amira Diaries’, the album’s moniker is a nod to one of her favourite films, ‘The Princess Diaries’, blending themes of princess-like elegance, baroque style, and glam rock vibes with a generous dash of ‘00s and ‘80s pop sensibilities. Marking her first full-length studio album, all produced and recorded by her in her makeshift home studio, the 10-track record was conceived out of personal diary entries that she’s religiously kept over the past three years.

Each song chronicles a certain chapter in her life, touching on themes of love, loss, trauma, healing and self-discovery, in a way that beautifully showcases her gripping autobiographical songwriting style, and preternatural ability to write songs that are familiar yet distinctive, accessible but not trite. She reflects on her journey through the highs and lows of her early 20s, from surviving an abusive relationship and finding the courage to leave, to her struggle with self-love, solitude and reconnecting with her community and purpose.

On ‘Hypnotizing’, a sultry disco-pop about self-love, empowerment and femininity, Arabic scales pulse underneath ‘00s and ‘80s synths, whilst ‘Still Thinkin’ Bout Me’, which was released back in May 2024 as a preview single, is a pop jam filled with vocal chops and recollections of a relationship gone sour and thoughts of a toxic ex that keeps asking for a second chance.

Although the whole album mostly treats issues of love and relationships, on the culminating track ‘Teardrops’, the singer-songwriter navigates her personal grief as she witnesses the ongoing genocide of her people in Palestine.