Album Information
About the Album
This Is Acting is a studio album by Australian singer-songwriter Sia, released in 2016. The album followed the international breakthrough of 1000 Forms of Fear and continued Sia’s development as one of the most distinctive pop singers and songwriters of the 2010s.
An important idea behind This Is Acting is its connection with Sia’s work as a songwriter for other performers. Much of the material originated from songs written with other artists in mind. Sia ultimately recorded the compositions herself, giving the project a distinctive concept reflected in the album’s title.
The album opens with “Bird Set Free” and “Alive,” two recordings that emphasize Sia’s powerful vocal delivery. Songs throughout the project move between dramatic pop ballads and more rhythmic electronic productions while maintaining her recognizable songwriting style.
“Cheap Thrills” became the album’s biggest commercial breakthrough. Built around an upbeat, dancehall-influenced rhythm, the song focuses on enjoying music and dancing without needing an expensive night out.
A version of “Cheap Thrills” featuring Sean Paul became particularly successful and gave Sia her first No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 as a performing artist. The collaboration also received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Pop Duo/Group Performance.
“Unstoppable” presents another side of the album. Its confident, anthem-like chorus contrasts with lyrics that explore the idea of presenting a strong exterior. The song later developed renewed popularity years after the album’s original release.
Other tracks such as “Move Your Body,” “Reaper,” “House on Fire” and “Broken Glass” demonstrate the album’s mixture of mainstream pop songwriting, electronic production and emotionally expressive vocals.
This Is Acting received a nomination for Best Pop Vocal Album at the 59th Annual GRAMMY Awards. Together with the success of “Cheap Thrills,” the recognition demonstrated Sia’s continued transition from an established songwriter into a major international recording artist.
The album remains an important part of Sia’s catalogue because of its unusual creative concept. Songs initially developed with other performers in mind became a cohesive Sia project through her distinctive vocals, songwriting perspective and contemporary pop production.