Elle Varner’s Perfectly Imperfect Never Got Its True Flowers
Elle Varner stepped onto the music scene like a breath of fresh air—vibrant, soulful, and undeniably real. Her 2012 debut album, Perfectly Imperfect, was an example of where R&B could go as a genre. It combined a fresh take on neo-soul with clever songwriting and heartfelt vulnerability that wasn’t just relatable, but groundbreaking. Yet, despite all this, the project didn’t receive the widespread recognition it deserved.
This write-up is for the ones who sang along to “Refill” like their lives depended on it, the fans who couldn’t stop spinning “Only Wanna Give It To You,” and the people who saw Elle for what she is: a versatile storyteller who turned life’s messiness into magic.
The Rise of Elle Varner
Elle Varner’s musical roots run deep. Born into a family of musicians, her parents worked as songwriters and publishers, so she was practically raised in the studio. Her father, Jimmy Varner, was a producer, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter who worked with Kool & The Gang, while her mother, Mikelyn Roderick, sang backup for Barry White and Tevin Campbell. Growing up in Los Angeles, she absorbed everything from jazz to R&B to hip-hop, all of which would eventually shape her unique sound.
Her big break came after attending Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU, where her talents caught the attention of MBK Entertainment. Soon after, she signed with RCA Records and dropped her breakout single, “Only Wanna Give It To You,” featuring J. Cole. The song was a perfect introduction —infectiously fun with just the right touch of sass.
The Making of Perfectly Imperfect
What made Perfectly Imperfect refreshing was its authenticity. In an era where mainstream R&B was mainly characterized by songs that were sexually boastful, the “So Fly” songstress came to the table with lyrics addressing issues like not meeting society’s beauty standards and having feelings for your best friend, but staying silent because you’re such “Damn Good Friends.” Varner worked with producers such as Pop & Oak (Nicki Minaj, Usher, Miguel) to craft a sound that felt both contemporary and timeless. The album was a reflection of Varner’s personality—quirky, soulful, and unafraid to be vulnerable.
Varner herself described the process as freeing. "It’s about being yourself and owning every little part of it,” she explained during interviews leading up to the release. That honesty shone through in every track, whether it was a self-love anthem or a love-laced ballad.
Jeff Robinson, MBK Entertainment President at the time and former manager of Alicia Keys, captured the essence of Varner’s artistry perfectly in a 2012 Billboard interview, stating, “She doesn’t need a lot of co-signers to stand on her own or to force something that doesn’t fit. This is someone who can come in and speak to a lot of people.”
Fiddle-infused “Refill” exemplified this authenticity, becoming Varner’s first top 10 hit on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Kirko Bangz and T-Pain were later enlisted to give fans a remix of the song they couldn’t get enough of.
Another fan favorite from the album was “I Don’t Care,” the single that showed listeners a sensual side of Varner. The track explored the beauty of love that transcends outside opinions and societal expectations. It peaked at No. 53 on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop chart and further confirmed Varner’s place as a rising star. The music video for “I Don’t Care,” which radiates the same intimate, heartfelt energy as the song, has garnered over 4 million views.
Standout Tracks
The album opened with "Only Wanna Give It To You," a funky, flirtatious bop that set the tone. Then came “Refill,” arguably her most iconic track, with its unorthodox mix of country fiddle and R&B finesse. The song was about infatuation and longing, and Varner’s delivery made it unforgettable.
“Welcome Home” was a heartfelt ballad that demonstrated Varner’s ability to weave raw emotion into her music. The track explored themes of love, loss, and reconciliation, connecting deeply with fans.
“Leaf” was the sultry, jazzy journey that highlighted Varner’s vocal versatility and lyrical depth. Its soothing melodies and introspective lyrics made it an impressive moment on the record.
Other highlights included “Not Tonight,” where she candidly expressed insecurities about unanswered love, and “So Fly,” a self-love anthem that celebrated embracing imperfections. “I’m not the average girl from your video,” she sang, flipping the script on beauty standards with a fresh perspective.
Each track on the album felt like a page from Varner’s diary, making it easy for listeners to connect on a deeply personal level. It’s also worth noting that Jimmy Varner, Elle’s father, was able to return to his roots and help with the songwriting process for the project.
The Reception
Perfectly Imperfect debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 and No. 2 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, an impressive feat for an artist’s first project. Critics praised Varner’s knack for storytelling and genre-blending production. Publications like Billboard and Rolling Stone highlighted her as a rising star, with many calling her as the next big thing in R&B.
Despite the initial buzz, the album didn’t seem to get the long-term recognition it deserved. Perhaps it was the crowded musical landscape of 2012, where artists like Frank Ocean and Miguel were also releasing groundbreaking work. Or maybe it was the challenge of breaking through as a new artist in an industry that often pigeonholes women in R&B. Whatever the reason, Perfectly Imperfect remains a hidden treasure.
The Legacy
More than a decade later, Perfectly Imperfect is the kind of album you revisit and wonder how it didn’t dominate its time or create a bigger star. While it may not have received its flowers in the moment, Varner’s debut album stands as a body of work worthy of being praised.
For those who missed it the first time around, there’s no better time to give it the recognition it’s always deserved.
As for where Elle Varner is now? Although her most recent single, "Fallin Up," dropped in November 2024, she has released a series of singles throughout the years as well as a nine-song project called Ellevation in July 2019 under Entertainment One U.S.