Sam Fischer’s debut album ushers us into his inner world, from matters of the heart to difficulties with the music industry. Pairing his supple vocal delivery with huge melodies and intimate arrangements, the Australian pop singer approaches I Love You, Please Don’t Hate Me with an open heart. The title track sets the tone with a piano ballad all about romantic repentance before a series of high-profile collaborations amplify the theme of hard-fought relationships both personally and professionally. Like his viral 2019 hit “This City”—also included here—the Demi Lovato duet “What Other People Say” alludes to Fischer’s emotional struggles after moving to LA to further his career. More upbeat in tone are his teamups with Meghan Trainor and Amy Shark, repeating positive self-talk until it sticks on “Alright” and finding hope in budding love on “High On You”. Fischer grows more optimistic as the album unfolds, finding unexpected solace in seeing an ex at peace on “Secondhand Happiness” and wishing to be part of someone else’s essential orbit on “Somebody Cares”. In each instance, he excels at conveying complicated feelings as poignant shorthand.