Overview

We Are Born is the fifth studio album by Australian singer-songwriter Sia Furler, released on 18 June 2010. Primarily produced by Greg Kurstin, the record marked a noticeable stylistic shift from Sia's earlier, more introspective and downtempo material toward brighter, more direct pop arrangements.

Production and musical style

Working with Kurstin, Sia adopted fuller arrangements that emphasize rhythm, prominent hooks and a more extroverted vocal approach. The production blends pop, soul and indie influences while keeping the singer's emotive delivery and lyrical focus at the centre of each song. Instrumentation on the album is generally punchy and melodic, with layered backing vocals and accessible song structures.

Songs and lyrics

While many tracks on We Are Born favour upbeat tempos and singable choruses, the lyrics retain a personal and sometimes candid tone. Themes of resilience, relationships and self-assertion recur, presented within concise pop frameworks rather than through the sparse, confessional arrangements of some earlier records.

Release, singles and promotion

The album's lead single, "Clap Your Hands", received international airplay and helped introduce Sia to a wider audience. Promotion included live performances and interviews that showcased the album's energetic material. The mid-2010 release came at a time when Sia was simultaneously expanding her profile as a recording artist and as a songwriter for other performers.

Critical reception

Contemporary reviews generally praised the strength of the songwriting and Sia's vocal performances, noting that the more upbeat production suited her distinctive voice. Critics observed that the move toward mainstream pop allowed the emotional content of the songs to reach a broader audience without wholly abandoning artistic depth.

Legacy

We Are Born is often regarded as an important transitional album in Sia's career. It helped bridge her earlier singer-songwriter work and the later pop-oriented projects that brought her higher commercial visibility. The collaboration with Greg Kurstin on this record also laid groundwork for further creative partnerships.

Notable facts

  • The album was produced mainly by Greg Kurstin, a producer who would continue to work with Sia on subsequent projects.
  • Its lead single, "Clap Your Hands", broadened Sia's international recognition and radio presence.
  • We Are Born demonstrated a deliberate shift toward more accessible pop arrangements while maintaining personal lyrical themes.