Czech teen sensation THERA releases debut album, I Wish I Called.

By Graeme Smith

Though early in her career, THERA has already been captivating audiences with her first few singles. They’ve garnered her over three million Spotify streams and TikTok, and a fanbase that connects with her honesty, an ability to share her personal experiences, and express the emotions they create.

THERA grew up as a fan of Rihanna, Tate McCrae, SZA and York Calling favourite Madison Beer, and fans of those artists are going to find a lot to love about her debut. From its ambient, scene-setting opener ringing… to its soft, spoken-word closer dying tone, we are treated to immersive, experimental dark pop.

The singles are, of course, the standouts. DLTTI, which has amassed over three millions streams on Spotify and TikTok, sits at the end of the album’s first half, giving us a brooding R&B highlight that calls out modern shallowness. Stain and guardian angel (a Spotify Editorials playlisted track) provide the story’s emotional climax with heartbreak and heartache respectively.

There are plenty of new discoveries of note too. Fate provides an early defiant groove. Erase adds some lingering country sentiments to the mix. YOUTH is a wonderfully eerie effort rich with raw storytelling. Rain brings with it some delicate introspection.

With her natural charisma, captivating voice, and trending sensibilities, it’s easy to see why THERA is getting the buzz that she is. She could easily be the next big thing in pop based on the evidence of this debut. With recording session in Nashville and a UK and US tour on the horizon, that may happen sooner rather than later.

I Wish I Called was produced with Martin Prikryl, Matej Moravek, Matej Belko, and Nigel Lowis. It’s out now via ICP Group and you can give it a listen below.