The international music industry is blooming, and the USA is certainly coming for the spotlight. This year, we have already witnessed the flowery comeback of Miley Cyrus and the bittersweet vocals from Shakira. Among those, many people could also notice a significant rise in the popularity of R&B music. Not only is this music willingly listened by fans, but more and more artists are contributing to this genre. For example, Chloe Bailey, one half of the Chloe x Halle duo, released her first solo album, „In Pieces”, which flies away into the R&B world with its musically impressive beats and intimate lyrics. Let us learn more about Chlöe and discuss her fusion of R&B, pop, and electronic elements in „In Pieces”!
Ms Bailey, who are you?
Chloe Bailey, also known as Chlöe, is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer born on July 1, 1998, in Atlanta, Georgia. She is best known for being one half of the R&B duo Chloe x Halle, along with her younger sister Halle Bailey. SInce 2011, they’ve started regularly posting their covers of various artist, for example, Beyonce. In 2013, the sister duo got a break-through momemnt in their career; In 2013, Chloe and her sister gained recognition after posting a cover of Beyoncé’s „Pretty Hurts” on YouTube, which eventually caught the attention of Beyoncé herself. The sisters were later signed to Beyoncé’s record label, Parkwood Entertainment, in 2015.
Now she is going solo…
Apart from her music career, Chloe has also ventured into acting, appearing in the TV series „Grown-ish” and the movie „Praise This”. Chloe has been recognized for her talent and contributions to the music industry, receiving accolades such as the Rising Star Award at the Billboard Women in Music Awards in 2020. Prior to her solo debut „Have Mercy”, Chloe had been teasing her solo work on social media, sharing snippets of new music and behind-the-scenes footage of her recording process. Almost a month ago, we could finally enter Chloe’s universe, which she exposes in her first solo project „In Pieces”.
Chloe’s solo debut was controversial, with accusations of oversexualization in her music video. She received backlash and was even called „cancelled” due to her provocative posts and music videos. However, Chloe has shown that she can learn from any mistakes or missteps she may make along the way. Now, she focuses on her music and seeks to move beyond the controversy surrounding her earlier work. Her newest album reflects her personal journey and emotions from the past two years. Will this newest album be successful and resonate with audiences? Will it be able to capture the hearts of many?
The album itself, soldiers
The album is a mix of fourteen tracks that don’t quite fit together. While some songs stand out on their own, others feel like quick singles with simple beats and lyrics that portray negative views towards men. However, it’s important to note that not all tracks follow this pattern. For example, „How Does It Feel” is a touching song, while „Told Ya” featuring Missy Elliot is less so. „Feel My Cry” is another standout track, with unique lyrics and musical style that offers a refreshing deviation from the others. Additionally, 11 out of the 14 songs on the album contain curse words, which may be off-putting for some listeners. It is unfortunate that there is not a clean lyrics version of the album available.
Where is Chloe the producer?
Fans may find it disappointing that Chloe’s solo album lacks the same level of involvement in songwriting and production as her previous work with Chloe x Halle. Unlike her earlier projects, Chloe collaborated with multiple songwriters and producers on her solo album, resulting in a less authentic feel to some tracks.
I do not want to be overly critical, but I find that most of these songs make for an uneven listening experience. Of course, there are some exceptions. Firstly, the earlier mentioned „Feel Me Cry” stands out in the album with its sensational lyrics and beautiful melody. Then there is „I Don’t Mind” and „Cheatback”, where Chloe’s great vocals and contributions to the lyrics and song production finally shine through. Lastly, there’s „Body Do”, which is the only up-beat single from the album and also one of the most listened to.
Chloe’s latest album, „In Pieces”, has left some fans feeling unsatisfied, particularly those who have followed her since the duo days. However, it could be viewed as a starting point for her career and a lesson learned. Personally, I rate the album 6/10, but opinions may vary depending on one’s own feelings and impressions. Chloe’s current tour, „In Pieces Tour”, offers a chance to showcase her impressive vocals and is also a positive step towards rebuilding her music persona.
[Photo: Chloe’s Twitter Page]