The First Impression series is where we review new albums in just one take. Going track-by-track, we break down the entire project and rate it because we all know first impressions mean everything.
Folk lovers, welcome to lo-fi paradise! Clairo’s newest project, Sling, featuring her lead single, “Blouse” arrived on Friday, July 16 and now, rather than doing a deep dive into the 12 new tracks, we are going to give you our very first impressions of each song on the artist's sophomore album. Sit, back, relax, and take these first impressions as you will, but absolutely give Sling a listen.
"Bambi"
The opening title on the album immediately sent our mind to the late 60s early 70s, where Crosby, Stills and Nash, Carole King, and Joni Mitchell personified the sonic identity of the period. Clairo’s use of instrumentation, particularly the piano and saxophone feels reminiscent of a vintage era, making us crave the Carpenters', “Close to You.” However, the “Alewife” singer’s vocals feel modern and bring us back into 2021.
"Amoeba"
This is the kind of song we would have on repeat, as we are locked away in our bedroom throughout four years of teen angst-inducing high school. Adding depth to the idea of bedroom pop, Clairo’s music isn’t just the soft strumming of an electric guitar. Cottrill takes a groovy beat, filled with snares and flutes and piano melodies and melds into a swirling, hip-swaying rhythm that would have absolutely had us dancing around my room at age 16.
"Partridge"
The coming together of Jack Antonoff and Claire Cottrill feels so harmonious. “Patridge’s” folksy sound and lyrics that observe human nature, achieve a perfect pairing. Our first thought was that Antonoff and Clairo together are like apples and honey.
"Zinnias"
Reminiscing on her roots in Georgia, Clairo’s birthplace, the singer paints such a serene picture of domestic life while also highlighting the things she loves most about Marietta. “I miss the southern Cosmos and the Zinnias, oh, the Zinnias/It comes to me in a dream, in the dead heat and the suffocating/Wet grip that’s got a hold on my mama/It’s Marietta’s kiss.”
"Blouse"
Clairo’s “Blouse” hits the nail on the head when it comes to the purposes of folk music. Filled with lyrics brimming with pointed statements, light vocals from Lorde, and a feeling of sonic warmth it is no wonder Clairo chose this track to represent Sling. The artist understands that folk music has been used as a vehicle to share beliefs, anecdotes, and interpretations. Folk music is hard-hitting commentary wrapped in beautiful instrumentation… or in this case a “Blouse.”
"Wade"
We like to think that when Clairo and Antonoff were working on this album together they revisited “Our House,” by Crosby, Stills, and Nash. While “Wade’s” lyrical content is different than the 1970 release, the song’s sweet piano melody sends our mind to Déjà vu.
"Harbor"
“Harbor” feels like the most heartbreaking song on Cottrill’s record. The words, “Stand guard when I am near/Clinging on to everything you fear/Keeping mе close while you hold me out and say/’I don't lovе you that way,'" opens up to the second half of the track that feels like the most gutting part of an ending relationship.
"Just For Today"
Opening up about mental health, Clairo leans on her poetic songwriting ability to tell a deeply candid story about dealing with depression. The singer’s ability to make a discussion about depression feel comfortable and almost beautiful is a testament to her metaphorical and anecdotal candor.
"Joanie"
The minute we discovered that Clairo produced this song as an ode to her dog, we knew we’d love it. The song’s vamp feels like an homage to Carole King and juxtaposes the heaviness of her previous track, “Just For Today.” Devoid of lyrics, the piece feels like a constant theme song to her dog, Joanie.
"Reaper"
This is one of those "stare longingly out of a car window" songs, pretending we're the main character in a movie. Dream up a whole scenario about leaving town and starting a new life, leaving our hometown behind as "Reaper" plays.
"Little Changes"
As her second to last song on the album, there is a sense of hope that washes over us. Clairo takes us through an odyssey of emotions throughout her entire project, but on “Little Changes,” we arrive at a “clean slate.”
"Management"
Manifesting, “self-respect,” “friends,” and “men who don’t interject,” Clairo embodies a type of sound that could be achieved by The Monkees or The Beatles in their early days. The songstress leaves us with the words, “I’m doing it for my future self,” leaving fans open for the next era of Clairo.
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